Brighton announce club-record signing of Joao Pedro from Watford

Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the club-record signing of Joao Pedro from Watford for £30 million.

Pedro’s fee eclipses the £20 million Brighton paid to Bristol City for defender Adam Webster.

Pedro will join the Seagulls in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian attacker has signed a five-year deal until 2028.

He has scored 24 goals in 109 appearances for the Hornets since joining from Fluminense in January 2020. He has scored 11 goals in 35 Championship games this season.

Pedro is a versatile attacker who can play across the forward line. The 23-year-old is a superb addition to Roberton De Zerbi’s squad.

Technical director David Weir said (via Brighton’s official website): “Joao has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe. 

“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.

“We are really looking forward to starting work with him in pre-season, here in the UK and when we travel to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.” 

Pedro came through the youth ranks at Fluminense before stepping up to the senior team. He debuted for the first team in March 2019.

Brighton are also closing in on a deal to sign Liverpool midfielder James Milner on a free transfer. He will join the club on a one-year deal.

Milner will bring an end to an eight-year relationship with the Merseyside club. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wanted to keep him, but the club did not offer him a new contract.