Brighton & Hove Albion sources insist that star striker Joao Pedro does not have a release clause in his contract as interest continues to mount in the Brazilian.
Joao Pedro has long been a player of huge interest to a number of Premier League clubs who looked closely at him during his Watford days.
Brighton took the chance and paid over £30 million to land him in 2023 which looks to have paid off big time with his form earning him a spot in Brazil’s squad.
The 23-year-old’s strong goal-scoring record for the Seagulls has also seen him attract the attention of a host of elite-level clubs, including Liverpool.
Liverpool remain keen on signing Joao Pedro
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, whilst Newcastle are long-term admirers of Joao Pedro and remain keen on the forward, sources have told Graeme Bailey – chief correspondent at TBR Football.
Arne Slot is keen to sign another attacker in the summer and Pedro is a name on Liverpool’s list of targets.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have also been impressed by Pedro with Enzo Maresca’s team on the hunt for a new centre forward to challenge Nicolas Jackson.
But Brighton insist that losing Pedro, who’s been compared to Roberto Firmino, is not part of their plans and TBR Football has been told there is no clause in the deal he signed when he arrived at the club, meaning they have full control over his future.
Brighton are currently in seventh in the Premier League and are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as they battle to bring European football back to the AMEX Stadium.
Playing in Europe is likely to be crucial in their hopes of keeping Pedro long-term, who will have ambitions of playing in the best club competitions.
Joao Pedro’s fine form for Brighton
Pedro’s versatility also makes him a strong option for several clubs who want to sign an attacker as he can fill multiple roles along the front line.
The Brazilian has played as a centre forward, number ten and left-wing for Fabian Hurzeler’s side this season.
| Apps | Goals | Assists | |
| Centre-forward | 14 | 5 | 6 |
| Attacking midfielder | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Left-wing | 1 | 0 | 0 |
The attacker has eight goals and seven assists to his name this term and it’s no wonder several Premier League are so keen to sign him.
