How Brighton Forward Became A Target For Two Premier League Rivals

Joao Pedro enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season. The Brazilian forward was a key figure for Brighton, registering 16 goals and assists in 27 Premier League appearances. These numbers were enough to attract the attention of Chelsea and Newcastle United with both clubs interested in signing Pedro this summer.

Recent reports claim Chelsea and Newcastle have opened talks with Brighton over a move for the 23-year-old. Liverpool has also been mentioned as another club that could get involved in the race to sign Pedro who is ready to take the next step in his development. He is a high-potential attacker.

Chelsea has already signed Liam Delap this summer with the young Englishman already making an impression for his new team at the 2025 Club World Cup. Newcastle, meanwhile, is intent on strengthening its forward line for the new season. After missing out on Bryan Mbeumo, Pedro has been identified as a target.

Pedro isn’t just a goal threat in and around the opposition penalty area. Indeed, the 23-year-old is extremely versatile and is comfortable playing a number of different roles across the forward line. Pedro operated as a centre forward for Brighton last season, but also as something of a number 10 behind a focal point up front.

This is surely why Chelsea and Newcastle both want Pedro. Both teams already boast top-level centre forwards and so Pedro would be expected to fill in around the likes of Alexander Isak and Delap with Nicolas Jackson also a factor at Stamford Bridge. He would offer a lot of cover in various positions.

As a modern forward, Pedro ticks a lot of boxes. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can beat an opponent in the dribble. He can finish inside the area, and also outside of it. Pedro is position-less in the way he interprets his role in Brighton’s fluid frontline and this makes him a good fit for countless teams at the elite level.

Brighton reportedly wants more than £50m for its prize asset, reflecting the value of the Brazilian to the south coast outfit. The Seagulls have a reputation for being one of the smartest clubs in the Premier League and so Pedro will only leave the Amex Stadium if it suits the selling club. Brighton will need to find a replacement.

Chelsea and Newcastle would both give Pedro a platform to prove his quality in the Champions League next season. The Brazilian is certainly good enough for this level and might even be targeting a starting place for his national team at the 2026 World Cup. This could be a pivotal summer in Pedro’s career.