Joao Pedro reveals that he picked Chelsea over Newcastle United because he was missing London | OneFootball

Joao Pedro has revealed that he opted to join Chelsea ahead of Newcastle United during the summer transfer window because he was missing London.

Newcastle were keen on bringing the Brazilian striker to St James’ Park but failed with a £50 million bid days before he joined the Blues.

Pedro moved to England to join Watford in 2020 before leaving for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, and he was eager to return to London this summer.

“When I was in Brighton, I was missing London a little bit,” Pedro told the Evening Standard.

“I had a chance to move to another club, but I chose Chelsea because it’s in London, it’s a big club, and I knew in my head it was the right move.”

Newcastle were the first club to make an official bid for Pedro in the final fortnight of June, despite being informed that his preference was to stay in the London area.

They came close to signing him from Watford in 2022, before moving for Alexander Isak.

Newcastle were under the impression that he was keen on a move, but the chance to join Chelsea was more appealing.

Pedro loves London and was not going to turn down the chance to return after the Blues made it clear they wanted him.

Newcastle eventually signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in the final few days of the transfer window.

Manager Eddie Howe will now hope his latest additions will hit the ground running after a winless start to the season.

Newcastle lost to Liverpool in between goalless draws with Aston Villa and Leeds United, and they could do with a win when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 13.