Brighton have completed a club record deal for the signing of Joao Pedro from Watford, paying £30 million. The centre-forward has agreed a deal until 2028 with the Seagulls, and will join them in the summer.
The previous most expensive signing for them was Adam Webster, who joined the club in 2019 for £20 million. This season, Pedro has scored 11 goals in 35 Championship games, and has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs. But, Brighton have ultimately won the race for his signature and have made his arrival official.
Brighton officially sign Joao Pedro from Watford
“Joao has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe,” Brighton’s technical director, David Weir said.
“So, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with a key target for the club ahead of the summer window opening, and it is great for Joao that he can focus on the new season, with his immediate future settled.
“He’s a brilliant young talent, technically very good, quick and with an eye for goal. He will complement our existing forward line very well. He also has settled well here, with good experience of both the Premier League and Championship and more than 100 games for Watford.”
Last summer, Joao Pedro was close to signing for Newcastle United. But the deal fell through, and he ended up signing a new contract with Watford. But in spite of that, he has sealed a move away this summer, back to the Premier League.