Brighton have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Joao Pedro from Watford, beating sides across Europe to the snare.

Pedro is now in his fourth season in England, following a move from Fluminese to Watford in 2020. He played a handful of times in the Premier League initially, before the Hornets were relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season.

He notched nine goals alongside three assists in the second tier last season, following that up with a tally of three goals and an assist back in the top flight.

That led to interest from Newcastle United, who seemed to have the snare all but completed. However, despite it being agreed, the deal never went through, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting the signing of Alexander Isak took precedence.

That meant Pedro remained with Watford, and he’s had a top season so far, despite the side’s middling performances. Indeed, the forward has scored 11 goals and provided four assists.

While the Hornets will remain in the second tier – currently 13th – Pedro will be moving onto bigger things.

Brighton have confirmed that they’ve snapped the Brazilian up for next season.

Pedro will officially become a Brighton player when the transfer window opens, on a deal that will last until June 2028.

Brighton swoop for Joao Pedro transfer masterstroke

The Seagulls’ recruitment has been phenomenal for some time. The club frequently breeds big names that move onto bigger things: Marc Cucurella, Leandro Trossard and Yves Bissouma among that group of late.

However, they’re very good at signing players to fill the void left by departing stars. Pedro might well be one of the stars of the club’s new era, if his recent stats are anything to go by.

Transfer insider Romano suggested the move for Pedro was accelerated in anticipation of rival interest – that’s been reiterated somewhat by Brighton’s technical director David Weir.

“Joao has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe,” Weir said.

Brighton happy to secure star signing

“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.”

Weir also detailed the qualities that the club feel Pedro will bring with him upon his arrival.

“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,” Weir added.

“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.”

READ MORE: Brighton wrap up savvy James Milner deal after agreeing to what Liverpool refused, as Fabrizio Romano delivers major Mac Allister update

The article Brighton steal march on rival sides as deal for exciting talent Joao Pedro is confirmed appeared first on Teamtalk.com.