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News
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EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa target Joao Pedro in €69m move after Rashford U-turn
Steve Kay
- 28 May 2025 12:00 BST
- 4 min read
Exclusive
Aston Villa have turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro as a high-priority transfer target this summer, sources have told Football Transfers.
Unai Emery’s side have come to this decision now Marcus Rashford is returning to Manchester United, with Villa are prepared to redirect their plans towards the Brazilian star, who is valued around €69 million (£58m).
The Aston Villa manager is a long-time admirer of Joao Pedro, whose combination of flair, composure, and versatility across the front line makes him an ideal fit for Villa’s dynamic system.
Current ETV
João Pedro
F, M, AM (C)
Brighton
João Pedro
F, M, AM (C)
Brighton
ETV Range
€55.2M - €67.4M
Though the 2024/25 season has been quieter statistically for Pedro, netting 10 goals and providing six assists in the Premier League, his work rate, technical quality, and intelligence in the final third continue to attract attention across Europe.
Brighton, for their part, are reluctant to sell to a domestic rival and would prefer a move abroad. However, the majority of concrete interest remains within the Premier League. Liverpool are also exploring Pedro as a contingency option should Darwin Nunez depart, while Chelsea and Newcastle are also monitoring the situation closely.
Villa priced out of club-record deal?
Sources close to the negotiations have told FootballTransfers Brighton will not entertain offers below €69m, in line with their valuation strategy seen in previous high-profile sales.
Villa had previous put aside funds for Rashford but with the Manchester United star available for a considerably smaller fee and no Champions League football heading to the Midlands club next season, there is a fear that the Seagulls’ asking price will be too great.
Indeed, if a deal was to be completed at that price, Aston Villa would set a club transfer record. The current mark was set last summer when Amadou Onana joined from Everton for €59.4m.
Joao Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 and has since developed into one of the Premier League's most technically gifted forwards. Still just 23, his ceiling remains high, and Villa are eager to secure his services before a bidding war erupts.
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