Newcastle United’s attempt to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro has hit a major stumbling block after their £50 million bid was firmly rejected by the South Coast club. Brighton have made it clear that they value the versatile Brazilian attacker at closer to £70 million, and they are in no rush to sell.
The Magpies, keen to bolster their attack ahead of their Champions League return, face stiff competition in the race for Pedro, with Chelsea and potentially Liverpool also showing interest. Pedro, who is close friends with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães, is reportedly open to a move but has one condition — he wants assurances of being the first-choice striker, which could complicate negotiations.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that Pedro is expected back in pre-season training, signaling the club’s willingness to keep the player unless their valuation is met. Newcastle, flush with Champions League revenue, are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.
Anthony Elanga Bid Rebuffed as Forest Hold Firm
Newcastle’s ambitions to add pace and creativity on the wing were also dented after Nottingham Forest rejected a £45 million bid for Swedish international Anthony Elanga. Forest have set a firm asking price of around £60 million and have no interest in negotiating below that figure.
Elanga, who delivered an impressive six goals and 11 assists last season, has become a pivotal player for Forest since joining from Manchester United. The Midlands club view him as integral to their plans and are under no financial pressure to sell.
Sources close to the player suggest Elanga is happy at Forest but could be tempted by the opportunity to play European football, particularly in the Champions League. However, unless Newcastle significantly improve their offer, a deal appears unlikely.
Newcastle’s Transfer Strategy: Costs, Risks, and Next Moves
Player Offered Price Club’s Valuation Status
Joao Pedro £50 million ~£70 million Possible with higher bid; competition
Anthony Elanga £45 million ~£60 million Unlikely at current offer
Newcastle’s combined offers for Pedro, Elanga, and goalkeeper James Trafford have now exceeded £120 million — all rejected. The club is clearly intent on strengthening both their attack and depth, but rival Premier League clubs are holding firm on valuations.
With Alexander Isak central to Eddie Howe’s plans and uncertainty over Callum Wilson’s future — whose contract expires this month — Newcastle’s need for another top striker is growing. Meanwhile, 21-year-old William Osula remains a backup option but isn’t considered ready for a leading role.
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Newcastle Transfer Plans Stall as Bids for Joao Pedro and Elanga Rejected
Negotiations are expected to continue, with Newcastle likely to return with improved offers — possibly in the £60–70 million range for Joao Pedro and around £60 million for Elanga if they remain determined to land both targets.
However, Nottingham Forest’s reluctance to sell Elanga and Brighton’s strong negotiating position mean Newcastle must either meet their demands or pivot quickly. Alternative targets are already being explored, with Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), and Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) on the club’s radar for wide attacking options.
Brighton, for their part, remain relaxed, knowing that Pedro is contracted and attracting interest from multiple Champions League clubs, allowing them to dictate terms.
The Bottom Line: A Test of Ambition and Resolve
Newcastle’s aggressive opening to the summer transfer window shows clear intent to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. But the response from rival Premier League clubs underscores the reality of doing business at the top level — quality players come at a premium.
If the Magpies are serious about landing Joao Pedro and Anthony Elanga, they will need to back their ambition with significantly higher bids. Otherwise, a shift toward more affordable or alternative targets may become inevitable as the countdown to the new season begins.
