Chelsea and Newcastle Battle to Sign Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro is attracting serious interest from both Chelsea and Newcastle United after delivering an impactful season at Brighton. The 23-year-old forward, who scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League, is now a top target in the transfer market.

João Pedro (Photo Credit: Getty)
João Pedro (Photo Credit: Getty)

According to Softfootball, Brighton have already turned down a £50 million offer from Newcastle, which included £45 million upfront and £5 million in add-ons. The club has made it clear they will only consider selling Pedro if they receive a £60 million transfer fee.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have made their own move, initiating talks with Brighton as they search for a dynamic and adaptable forward. With Pedro reportedly eager to make a summer switch, Chelsea’s approach adds fuel to the growing competition.

Pedro was signed from Watford for £30 million two years ago. However, his time at Brighton recently saw friction, including a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, which led to his omission from the squad for the final two matches of the Premier League season.

The Brazilian has already informed Brighton of his desire to leave. According to teammate Igor Julio, Pedro prefers a move to London and would likely favour Chelsea over Newcastle, as he is keen to experience life in the capital.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler recently commented that he expects both Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma to return for pre-season. Despite transfer rumours, the club continues to prepare with both players in mind for the coming campaign.

Fabian Hurzeler (Photo Credit: Getty)
Fabian Hurzeler (Photo Credit: Getty)

Joao Pedro has featured in 70 matches for Brighton, scoring 30 goals and contributing 10 assists since his arrival. As transfer negotiations intensify, his future remains one of the most closely watched sagas this window.

Earlier, Softfootball.com reported that Chelsea are close to signing 20-year-old Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who currently in the USA with Dortmund for the Club World Cup, after a previous transfer attempt by Chelsea fell through before the tournament.

Gittens, who joined Dortmund from Manchester City in 2020, impressed in 2024–25 with 12 goals and five assists in 49 games. With 17 goals and 14 assists in 107 appearances overall, his consistency has caught Chelsea’s eye.

The Blues are reportedly finalizing a seven-year deal for the England youth international, who is expected to undergo a medical soon and strengthen Chelsea’s wing options.

Emmanuel Godwin

About the Author: Emmanuel Godwin

Emmanuel Godwin is an accredited sports journalist and the Editor at Softfootball.com. He has a strong track record of conducting in-depth interviews with top footballers and managers, and is known for delivering high-quality, breaking news coverage in the world of football.

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