It’s looking increasingly likely that Joao Pedro will leave Brighton and Hove Albion by the end of the summer, but just where he will go remains to be seen.
Newcastle United are the current frontrunners, with it being reported that we’re willing to negotiate with the Seagulls around their £60m valuation of the forward.
And by all accounts, it looks like there’s a mutual admiration between ourselves and the Brazilian, who is open to a move from the South coast, according to The Telegraph.
One of Joao Pedro’s current teammates, and a fellow Brazilian, has shared his thoughts on the 23-year-old’s rumoured departure, but some comments may not go down well with our fanbase…
“He hasn’t played for a big team yet” – Igor on Pedro
Speaking to Diogo Magri of Trivela, Joao Pedro’s teammate Igor Julio has opened up about a potential departure for his fellow Brazilian.
“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step,” Igor said.
“It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with them via a video call.”
In a vital World Cup year, the Brazilian striker clearly has high ambitions at both club and international level, and a move away from the South coast could be the springboard he needs to get into Carlo Ancelotti’s thoughts.
Even though nothing is concrete at the moment, Igor looks to have all but confirmed that Pedro will be playing elsewhere with his comments.
“I’m very happy for him. He deserved it. He’s been here in England for five years and he hasn’t played for a big team yet. It’s his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he goes.”
Champions League pull and London interest?
We’ve already seen from Thomas Tuchel that he won’t pick many, if any players outside of European football for his England squad, and should Ancelotti adopt a similar mentality, Pedro will be making a smart choice by switching clubs.
“I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.”
Typically, this would be something that we can use in our favour, being a Champions League club with a recent trophy win and attractive football.
Instead, Julio hints that Pedro’s eyes could be elsewhere. And like many a wantaway Premier League star, he may have his eyes on London and London alone.
“I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It’s because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there.”
“He told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.”
We’ve already seen Dean Huijsen this summer entertain offers from us and other clubs whilst waiting for his personal choice (Real Madrid) to come knocking, could we potentially see Pedro do the same?
Chelsea were tenuously linked with showing interest in Pedro earlier this week, and it would be a bitter pill to swallow should Pedro opt to become just another forward in their inflated squad.
