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 the St James’ Park club 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, rejecting the Magpies as a result.

“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 getting informed that his preference was to stay in the London area.

They had come close to signing him from Watford in 2022 only to go for Alexander Isak in the end.

The Toons were under the impression that the 23-year-old 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 were gutted to miss out on such a talented player – who has notched two goals and two assists during his first three Premier League games of the new campaign.

They eventually brought in players in the position, signing DR Congo international striker Yoane Wissa and his Germany international counterpart Nick Woltemade in the final few days of the window.

Toons manager Eddie Howe will now hope his latest additions will hit the ground running after a winless start to 2025-26 for his side.

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.