Joao Pedro now insists he was right to turn down Newcastle United for Chelsea
Newcastle United made a push to sign Joao Pedro earlier this summer, but the Brazilian forward ultimately chose Chelsea instead.
In fact, Newcastle had grown confident of landing Pedro from Brighton, though the attacker eventually sealed a move to Stamford Bridge.
It was a disappointing blow for the Magpies. Newcastle also tried to recruit Pedro back in 2022 before switching their attention to Alexander Isak. That signing proved successful on Tyneside, but three years later Isak forced a British-record move to Liverpool, leaving Howe short.
Pedro was not the only player Newcastle chased who joined Chelsea. Liam Delap also opted for the Blues after leaving Ipswich, worsening the setback.
The Brazilian admitted he had the “chance” to join a different team, with the Standard revealing that club to be Newcastle.
Even so, a switch to London appealed strongly to the attacker, who had already lived there with Watford. He claims he feels justified in the decision, saying he “knew in my head” it was the right path.
Pedro explained: “When I was at Brighton, I missed being in London a little.
“I could have signed for another team, but I picked Chelsea because it’s London, it’s a massive club, and I knew in my head it was the right choice.”
Pedro had long been admired on Tyneside, clearly valued by Eddie Howe.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, however, the likelihood of him ever joining the club now seems very slim.
