£30m Premier League star with six goals this season 'upset' at failed Newcastle United move

Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates with Pervis Estupinan and Joao Pedro after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro has revealed he was upset at seeing a move to Newcastle United fall through last summer.

The Magpies attempted to sign the Brazilian almost 18 months ago and reportedly tabled a £30million bid before opting to sign Alexander Isak for a club-record fee instead.

Despite dropping down from the Premier League and into the Championship, Pedro remained at Watford for the 2022-23 campaign, where scored 11 goals in 35 appearances.

The 22-year-old joined Brighton for a club-record £30m in the summer. And speaking about that move, Pedro referenced his failed Newcastle switch.

He told Globo Esporte: “I had that negotiation with Newcastle. Even months ago, I was upset that I hadn’t left, but I said: now is my time at Watford, I have to make it happen, since it didn’t happen, this time it will.

“I made it happen last season, and I think Brighton was the best way forward. They’re a club that give opportunities to youngsters. It believes in us. I made the right choice. I’m very happy here.”

Since arriving at the Amex Stadium, Pedro has found the net six times in 17 outings, including four in four in the Europa League as the Seagulls sit top of Group B, which includes Marseille, AEK Athens and Ajax.

He also started Brighton's 3-1 win over Newcastle United in September.