Brighton and Hove Albion signed Joao Pedro during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old attacker was linked with a move to the Premier League 12 months before that as well. Newcastle United were keen on the player but Watford refused a £30 million bid from the Premier League side.

Pedro has now opened up on the situation and revealed that he was thoroughly disappointed when Watford turned down a substantial offer from Newcastle.

However, he feels that he has now earned a move to Brighton and it was the right decision for him.

“I had this negotiation with Newcastle,” Pedro recalls, speaking to Globo Esporte. “Until months ago, I was upset about not leaving. However, I said ‘now is my moment at Watford. I have to make (a big-money transfer) happen (with my performances). 

“I made it happen, and I think it was the best way (to join) Brighton. It’s a club that gives opportunities to young people. They believe in us.

“I made the right choice. I’m very happy here.”

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Brighton have a tendency to give opportunities to young players and Pedro has certainly flourished in his new environment. The attacker has six goals across all competitions, and he will look to establish himself as one of the best young attackers in the Premier League with regular football at Brighton.

The post 22-year-old admits he was disappointed to have missed out on Newcastle move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After Brighton had suffered defeats to Chelsea in the Carabao cup (1-0), Aston Villa in the Premier League (6-1) and a draw after going 2-0 down to Marseille in midweek, Brighton managed a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Amex.

Brighton have had a poor few weeks, especially defensively with mistakes costing them in recent times. With a few injuries in the squad, a few changes were made to freshen up the side, with the likes of Simon Adingra, Carlos Baleba and Igor Julio coming in. These changes gave Brighton a different energy than they have had in recent weeks, and there was definently chances for the Seagulls to beat Liverpool.

Read on for our Brighton player ratings, and who stood out for the Seagulls…

Bart Verbruggen – 6.5 – Made two saves inside the box, and played 44 successful passes showing his importance for Brighton in build up. Not much he could do about the goals, one being a penalty.

Solly March – 7.5 – March played further back than usual, playing as a left back but with license to go forward and overlap Mitoma. Got the assist from a freekick for Lewis Dunk’s goal and made a whopping six tackles.

Igor Julio – 6 – Looked to be suffering from a knock throughout the game, and was subbed off in the 63rd minute. Still managed two key passes from defense and contributed well for Brighton in possession.

Lewis Dunk – 7.5 – Dunk scored the important equaliser for Brighton, and made one key pass from the back. Dunk was also very solid defensively with two aerial duels won out of three, three out of three ground duels won, three clearances, one block and one tackle.

Joel Veltman – 6 – Veltman made a few clearances and a tackle but had the likes of Nunez drifting over to his side and cause him problems. He only made 17 passes (14 successful) with an 82% pass accuracy, and he also lost both of his aerial duels.

Pascal Gross – 6 – Gross looked to drop between the central defenders in this game, to help with build up play, he had a few poor passes in central areas losing possession 10 times, but Gross did manage one key pass and a pass accuracy of 89% despite playing six long balls.

Carlos Baleba – 7.5 – Baleba added a much needed presence in midfield, covering a lot of ground and getting stuck in. He made two blocks, three interceptions and two tackles, along with four out of four long balls completed.

Kaoru Mitoma – 5.5 – Not the most impactful game from Mitoma we have seen, only managing one shot which was off target and one cross. Much more went down the opposite side for Brighton.

Joao Pedro – 6.5 – Pedro was involved, making two key passes and had two shots (one blocked and one off target). However he also lost possession quite a few times in dangerous deeper areas with his back to goal, losing possession 11 times.

Simon Adingra – 8 – The real bright spark for Brighton, won the ball back and scored for their first goal, and was direct at every chance down his flank. Completed three out of nine dribbles attempted, had two shots on target, completed two out of two long balls and of course scored his goal.

Evan Ferguson – 5 – Wasn’t very involved and was taken off after 60 minutes. Only had 24 touches, losing possession six times and only having the one shot off target, quiet day for Ferguson.

Subs: Danny Welbeck 6, Jan Paul van Hecke 5, Ansu Fati N/A.

The post Brighton player ratings: Adingra gives burst of energy when Brighton needed it most appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Though it came very late in the second half, Joao Pedro’s spot-kick looked to have earned Brighton and Hove Albion a vital point against Marseille in the Europa League.

The French giants had raced into a two-goal first-half lead, both goals coming inside two minutes.

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The Seagulls managed to stop the rot and managed to get themselves back into the game thanks to a second-half strike from Pascal Gross.

With time running out, Joao Pedro was the calmest man on the pitch to equalise for Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

??| GOAL: Pedro scores from the spot

Marseille 2-2 Brighton

pic.twitter.com/BlUTaiWMP7

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 5, 2023

Cool, calm and collected from João Pedro. ?

Brighton overcome a 2-0 deficit to bring the noise in the Velodrome. ?? pic.twitter.com/UloEgNAjeT

— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 5, 2023

Pictures from Viaplay and CBS Sports Golazo

The post Video: Joao Pedro fires home 88th minute penalty to level the scores in Marseille appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After being well beaten by a dynamic and exciting Brighton and Hove Albion side, Man United manager, Erik ten Hag, offered the lamest of excuses for another poor performance.

For the first time in the Red Devils illustrious history, they’ve lost three of their opening five matches in a season, and it shouldn’t be forgotten that they were lucky to win the other two.

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“It was not our day,” the Dutchman said after the match, supplementing that quote with more cliches.

It was painful to watch, and in the space of a few games in 2023/24, ten Hag has gone from hero to zero.

The last thing he needs is to be playing Bayern Munich in the Champions League as United’s next match.

'It was not our day"

Erik ten Hag reacts after Manchester United's 3-1 loss to Brighton ?? pic.twitter.com/VbrLmVmytk

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 16, 2023

Pictures from Sky Sports News

The post Video: “It was not our day” – Erik ten Hag offers lame excuses for Man United’s defeat against Brighton appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It really hasn’t been Man United’s day against Brighton and Hove Albion, with Joao Pedro firing home a stunning third for the Seagulls to take the game away from the hosts.

Erik ten Hag’s side had been second best for large parts of the game, as Danny Welbeck and Pascal Gross putting the visitors into a two-goal lead.

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Things got even better when Joao Pedro opened his body up and gave Andre Onana in the United goal no chance at saving his goal bound effort.

Ansu Fati makes the run creates space for Joao Pedro. What a goal!

pic.twitter.com/ePkcO5EOwM

— The FTBL Index ? ? (@TheFootballInd) September 16, 2023

Joao Pedro SCORES!!

? 1-3 Manchester United vs Brighton

WATCH EVERY GOAL ? https://t.co/2w98QqADfX#PL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/WAjDvXFP8x

— FuboCanada ?? (@fuboTVCanada) September 16, 2023

Pictures from Viaplay and fuboTV

The post Video: Joao Pedro fires a stunning third home for Brighton at Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Brighton and Hove Albion are close to confirming Joao Pedro as their latest signing.

Pedro, 21, has been on the radar of several clubs since his debut season in the Premier League in 2021, and although the Hornets found themselves relegated at the end of the campaign, their number 10 impressed after scoring three goals and provided an assist in 15 starts.

Now back in the Championship, Pedro is enjoying another fruitful season after netting 11 goals in 35 league appearances.

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However, with Watford 13th in the table and standing no chance of being promoted back to England’s top-flight, the time has come for the Ribeirao Preto-born striker to move on.

And according to leading transfer expert and CaughtOffside columnist Fabrizio Romano, Roberto De Zerbis’ Brighton have agreed a deal with Watford worth £30m for the highly-rated, young Brazilian.

João Pedro deal is done since yesterday, not now. It will be official soon, contract being signed with Brighton prepared to unveil their new star. #BHAFC

Fee will be close to £30m — personal terms agreed.

No doubts as revealed here yesterday night.

Here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/Kc9uOfNjK5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2023

Set to arrive at the AMEX Stadium in time for next season, fans will be hoping to see the South American continue his development and build a strong partnership with breakthrough star Evan Ferguson, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the club.

The post Brighton close to confirming Joao Pedro signing, final transfer fee reported appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham United are looking to improve their attacking options at the end of the season.

The Hammers are reportedly looking at a number of Championship players to strengthen their squad, and the Watford striker Joao Pedro is a target for them.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has been in splendid form for Watford this season, scoring 11 goals in the Championship. He has the potential to develop into a top-class striker and West Ham could certainly use someone like him.

Michail Antonio has been largely underwhelming the season and summer signing Gianluca Scamacca is yet to find his form.

West Ham have struggled to score goals consistently, and bringing in a quality striker should be a top priority for them in the summer.

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The opportunity to play for a Premier League club will be an attractive option for Pedro and he is likely to be tempted to join the Londoners. However, West Ham must ensure that they secure safety first. The 21-year-old Brazilian is unlikely to join another Championship club.

West Ham must look to preserve their status as a Premier League club if they want to attract the top talents in the summer.

The post West Ham eyeing up summer move for 11-goal forward this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Watford striker Joao Pedro would ‘jump at’ the chance to join Newcastle United in the summer.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who believes the Brazilian hitman would welcome a move to St James’ Park amid mounting interest from Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

Looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season, which could include playing in the Champions League, Newcastle United are believed to be ‘keeping tabs on’ Watford’s number 10.

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And ahead of an important summer transfer window that could see Howe splash the cash, Pedro, 21, is a candidate to move to the Premier League with Watford, currently sitting 12th in the Championship, looking unlikely of winning promotion back to England’s top-flight.

And speaking to GiveMeSport about the possibility of the Magpies luring the talented South American to the northeast, transfer specialist O’Rourke, said: “This is long-term interest from Newcastle for Joao Pedro. They tried to sign him last January, but weren’t able to get a deal over the line. They’ve continued to keep tabs on him.

“He’s obviously been in the Championship with Watford this season, so I’m sure the player would jump at the chance to move back to the Premier League as it doesn’t look like Watford are going to win promotion back to the top flight.

“As I said, the chance to go to Newcastle with potential Champions League football on offer – I’m sure this is something Joao Pedro would jump at.”

During his three years with Watford, Pedro, who has five years left on his deal, has scored 24 goals in 107 matches in all competitions.

The post Newcastle handed boost after Magpies told linked striker would relish St James’ Park move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United remain interested in signing Joao Pedro from Watford at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old was the target for Newcastle United at the start of the season and the Magpies had a £30 million bid turned down by the Championship club. A report from Football Insider claims Newcastle have a concrete interest in signing the player at the end of the season.

Pedro has been in impressive form for Watford this season, scoring 10 goals across all competitions. The 21-year-old can play anywhere across the front three, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side are currently third in the league table and they are hoping to secure Champions League qualification. Newcastle will need better players and more depth in the squad in order to compete on all fronts next season.

Bringing in a quality attacker should be a top priority for Newcastle during the summer transfer window. The Magpies have drawn 11 league games this season and they need a reliable goalscorer who can help turn these draws into wins.

Pedro will add goals and unpredictability in the final third. He could prove to be a quality alternative for Callum Wilson. The experienced Newcastle striker has not been at his best this season and the Magpies must look to bring in a proper replacement.

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Pedro is still quite young, and he is likely to improve further with coaching and experience.

Eddie Howe has a proven track record of nurturing, talented, young players throughout his managerial career and he could help the Watford attacker develop into a top-class Premier League player.

The opportunity to play for an ambitious club like Newcastle will be a tempting proposition for the young attacker, and it remains to be seen whether the Magpies can agree on a fee with Watford this time around.

The post Newcastle remain keen on 10-goal star they tried to sign last summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello! Welcome to today’s exclusive Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for the ad-free version and other columnists straight to your inbox!

Barcelona

Dani Olmo is set to be out of contract in June 2024. Leipzig are pushing to get new deal done and will insist again. Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Olmo but their focus is on other targets for now and nothing is happening with Olmo.

Xavi: “Julian Araujo is adapting very well. From next year he can help us a lot, I’m sure he’s gonna be good option for us. He is strong, powerful, positive and he has a very good shot from distance.”

Bayern Munich

Thomas Tuchel has made it clear where he stands on Benjamin Pavard amid doubts over his future: “He’s an underrated player. He can adapt at an extremely high level, defends with big discipline. He’s a top team player. He immediately got my trust and justified it. That should be a clear statement.”

Boca Juniors

The race to sign Mateo Retegui remains open. Eintracht Frankfurt want him but nothing has been agreed yet, not even on personal terms. Inter have already had approaches to understand deal conditions — nothing concrete/advanced with Atletico Madrid at this stage.

Brighton

The fixed amount to appoint Roberto De Zerbi is worth more than €10m and it will NOT be valid during the season, only in the summer — as De Zerbi didn’t want any distraction during the season. De Zerbi is fully focused on Brighton.

Chelsea

Some of Graham Potter’s selection decisions didn’t go down well with the Chelsea squad – click here for further details!

Chelsea want new head coach as soon as possible. Direct contacts with Julian Nagelsmann also today — he remains the favourite candidate with club’s project discussed.

Luis Enrique is also appreciated — he’d be keen on the job. No direct talks yet with Mauricio Pochettino and Ruben Amorim at this stage, but let’s see how this develops later in the week. No chance for Roberto De Zerbi.

Looks like it's between Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique for the Chelsea job…

Who do YOU think should get it, #CFC fans?

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 5, 2023

Hertha Berlin

It is my understanding that Hertha Berlin are closing in on agreement to sign professional long term deal with Julius Gottschalk. The talented attacking midfielder (16) had four proposals but he’s close to accepting the new deal offered by Hertha.

Leicester City

Some options being considered for the Leicester job, apart from Rafael Benitez who has been in the frame since Sunday. Curiously three coaches on the radar share the ‘Red Bull structure’ profile: Ralph Hassenhuttl, Oscar Garcia and Jesse Marsch.

Liverpool

One of Liverpool’s main targets this summer will be Mason Mount for sure. Let’s see what happens with the future Chelsea coach, and if that could change the player’s situation… but Liverpool are following Mount’s situation and they appreciate him a lot.

Liverpool want a refresh in the midfield, so Naby Keita will leave as free agent; also the player is ready for new challenge, there are some approaches but nothing advanced yet. He wants to take his time over deciding his next move.

Manchester United

I’ve already said in February and also recently that Manchester United have sent their scouts to follow Kim Min-jae, but at the moment it’s not time for bids or anything as Kim is 100% focused on Serie A and Champions League with Napoli and doesn’t want any distraction. PSG also appreciate Kim but also in this case, nothing is advanced yet.

Despite reports of Manchester United wanting to sign a ‘no.8’ in midfield this summer, my understanding is that the focus is on a central striker, there is where they want to invest. However, it’s important to remember that the budget is not clear yet due to the club sale situation. Once the owners will be clear, we will understand budget, the main striker target, and also other positions to be covered.

Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Luke Shaw after confirmation of his new contract: “I think it is a good message. An England international, he is doing really well this season. He is a modern left full-back, but can also play other positions. He matches the standards we want to have.”

Manchester United want Harry Kane but have other options in mind as well because of their fear of ‘painful’ negotiations with Spurs – click here to find out more!

Napoli

Kim Min-jae is 100% focused on Serie A and Champions League with Napoli and doesn’t want any distraction, despite interest from Manchester United. PSG also appreciate Kim but also in this case, nothing is advanced yet.

For more on Kim’s future, click here to read yesterday’s exclusive Ben Jacobs takeover!

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contract: “Please, stop to break my balls… his current contract was agreed just one year ago and it’s still valid until 2027. You find an agreement and you have a contract for five years, not just one. No issues.”

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PSG

There is a new bid on the table for Lionel Messi. After a lot of speculation, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have now made a bid to Messi. The player’s father Jorge Messi is taking care of things on the player’s side, and it’s a huge offer he’s being presented with – more than €400m per year.

After Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo, we know Al-Hilal are really trying to tempt Messi. We know Messi is currently close to becoming a free agent this summer, but he has a proposal to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. Now he also has this proposal on the table from Al-Hilal, but his priority as I understand it is to remain in Europe. He feels he can still be competitive in European football for a bit longer after a fantastic World Cup and a strong season with PSG. He wants at least a year and a half more in Europe, so let’s see if Al-Hilal can change his mind with this huge proposal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on with PSG and Messi as well.

Earlier this season it looked like Messi was close to an agreement on a new deal with PSG, there was a verbal discussion and it was positive, but then the disappointing season, particularly with the early exit from the Champions League, has changed things. The proposal from PSG is still there, but Messi has not accepted it because he wants guarantees on the sporting project – who’s going to be the coach next season? Who are they going to sign? PSG are still pushing for Messi to stay, but let’s see what happens.

We also can’t forget Barcelona – European football is the priority for Messi, and Xavi is pushing, calling and calling Messi and insisting a lot, but we are still waiting for Barca to make an official bid, and Financial Fair Play will be crucial here. They still have to understand how much they can offer to Messi, and the relationship with Joan Laporta will be important as well. The situation is open, the race is open for Messi’s future. We will keep following this incredible story in the next weeks and months.

RB Leipzig

Dani Olmo is set to be out of contract in June 2024. Leipzig are pushing to get new deal done and will insist again. Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Olmo but their focus is on other targets for now and nothing is happening with Olmo.

Leipzig director Max Eberl: “Nothing is signed yet. We are in very, very good talk: I told Dani that I signed here to win titles. I hope that at some point he will say: ok, let’s do that.”

Ilaix Moriba is expected to leave RB Leipzig again in the summer as the plans are very clear on that after loan to Valencia this season.

Leipzig director Max Eberl on Moriba: “I don’t want any player who doesn’t want to play for Leipzig.”

Tottenham

Some of Chelsea’s managerial targets could also be in the frame for the Tottenham job – click here to find out more!

Watford

Joao Pedro has had a fine season for Watford and is now prepared to get big move in the summer as clubs in Premier League and in Serie A are already exploring the potential conditions of the deal. His future will be discussed in the next months as interest is growing — Joao, expected to be part of the strikers domino.

The post Exclusive: Huge Messi transfer offer, next Chelsea manager latest, Liverpool midfield revamp – Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.