João Pedro Set for Old Trafford Switch as United Strike Agreement with Brighton
Manchester United have made a significant breakthrough in their summer transfer business by reaching a full agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the signing of Brazilian attacker João Pedro. The deal, which sources suggest is worth approximately £45 million including add-ons, represents a major step forward for Erik ten Hag’s project at Old Trafford and signals the club’s intent to reshape and rejuvenate their attack after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign. João Pedro, who enjoyed a standout season with Brighton in the Premier League, is set to become United’s first major signing of the summer and could be unveiled as early as next week, pending a successful medical and the finalisation of personal terms.
At 22, João Pedro has already shown a level of maturity and versatility that belies his age. Having arrived at Brighton last summer from Watford in a then-club-record move, he wasted little time establishing himself as a key figure under Roberto De Zerbi. In his debut season with the Seagulls, he registered 17 goals and seven assists in all competitions, thriving in both domestic and European action. His blend of flair, pace, control, and positional intelligence made him one of the most exciting young forwards in the league, and his performances did not go unnoticed by top Premier League sides. However, it was Manchester United who acted decisively, moving swiftly to secure an agreement in the early stages of the transfer window.
The agreement between United and Brighton reportedly came after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving United’s recruitment team and Brighton’s technical staff. Though Brighton were reluctant to lose a player who had been central to their attacking play, the scale of the offer from Old Trafford—believed to include £38 million upfront with an additional £7 million in performance-based add-ons—ultimately persuaded them to part ways with the Brazilian forward. The Seagulls have earned a reputation for smart recruitment and profitable player trading in recent years, and this deal further solidifies their standing as a club capable of nurturing top-tier talent and selling at a premium.
For United, João Pedro’s impending arrival is a statement of intent from the club’s hierarchy, especially under the evolving influence of INEOS, who are now responsible for football operations at Old Trafford. It is no secret that United have been in the market for an attacking addition this summer, with questions hanging over several current forwards. Anthony Martial’s departure on a free transfer, Jadon Sancho’s likely permanent exit after a fallout with Erik ten Hag, and the underwhelming impact of Antony have all left gaps that need to be filled. In João Pedro, United have found a forward capable of playing in multiple roles—on the wing, as a second striker, or as a central No. 9—which adds significant tactical flexibility to Ten Hag’s system.
João Pedro’s ability to link play, press from the front, and create chances is expected to complement the development of young striker Rasmus Højlund, who endured an inconsistent debut season at United but showed glimpses of his potential. The Brazilian’s movement off the ball and eye for goal could unlock further attacking potential within the squad. Ten Hag has long expressed his desire to have a more fluid, dynamic attack, and João Pedro’s signing fits that vision perfectly. The manager is said to be a long-time admirer of the player’s style, and his endorsement of the transfer was instrumental in pushing the deal forward.
Off the pitch, João Pedro’s arrival also represents a shift in United’s recruitment strategy—one that prioritises hungry, versatile players with significant upside over ageing superstars or overpriced veterans. Since the INEOS group began exerting influence over the club’s footballing affairs, there has been a clear emphasis on intelligent, sustainable investment in players who can grow with the team and fit into a broader tactical framework. Pedro ticks all those boxes, and his Premier League experience gives him an immediate advantage over foreign signings who might require a longer adjustment period.
The personal terms for João Pedro are understood to have been agreed in principle even before the clubs finalised the transfer fee. The Brazilian will sign a five-year contract with an option for a further year, keeping him at Old Trafford through at least 2030. His wage package will reflect his status as an important first-team player without disrupting the club’s evolving salary structure—a key focus area for the new football operations team. Pedro is expected to undergo a medical in Manchester within the next few days, after which the club will move swiftly to announce the transfer officially and incorporate him into their pre-season plans.
Brighton, meanwhile, are preparing for life without their star forward. Though disappointed to lose a player of Pedro’s calibre, the club have anticipated the move and are reportedly lining up replacements. Their scouting network has identified multiple potential targets across Europe and South America, and the Seagulls are confident they can continue their tradition of reinvesting wisely. For João Pedro, the move represents not only a reward for his strong performances but also a massive step up in terms of club stature and expectation. Playing for Manchester United brings a global spotlight and immense pressure, but those close to the player say he is relishing the challenge and eager to prove himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
At United, the announcement of Pedro’s signing will serve as a major boost to a fanbase eager for change and ambition after several frustrating seasons. While the team managed to clinch Europa League qualification by finishing sixth in the Premier League, their inconsistent performances and disappointing exits from both the Champions League and domestic cup competitions left fans demanding significant improvements. Ten Hag, who has survived a turbulent campaign and retained the backing of the club, sees this summer as pivotal to reshaping the squad into one capable of challenging at the highest level.
The club’s transfer activity is not expected to end with João Pedro’s arrival. United remain in the market for at least one central midfielder—especially given the uncertainty over Casemiro’s future and the need to add energy and ball progression to the engine room. Additionally, a right-sided centre-back is also a priority, with Raphael Varane departing and questions lingering over the long-term fitness of Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf. There is also interest in bringing in a new right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot, as well as potentially another striker, depending on outgoings.
The addition of João Pedro, however, represents a crucial first step. His arrival injects youth, pace, and technical quality into the squad while also aligning with the club’s long-term recruitment goals. The Brazilian’s path from Brazil to Watford, through Brighton, and now to Old Trafford is a testament to his perseverance and steady progression. At Watford, he showed flashes of brilliance but was limited by the team’s struggles. At Brighton, he blossomed in a more expressive, high-possession system. Now, at United, he will have the platform and expectation to elevate his game even further.
Fans will no doubt remember how impactful signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez were in years past—players who arrived young and hungry, with room to develop into world-class talents. João Pedro arrives in a different era, but the hope is similar: that he can become a central figure in United’s next great side. With the guidance of Ten Hag and surrounded by improving talents such as Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Højlund, Pedro has the potential to thrive and become a household name at Old Trafford.
In terms of market impact, this transfer is also a significant moment for the Premier League. Brighton, once again, have demonstrated their ability to turn modest investments into massive returns. Their model, built on data-led recruitment and expert coaching, continues to bear fruit, and João Pedro is the latest example. For Manchester United, completing this deal early in the summer also signals a more efficient and proactive transfer strategy—a marked change from the long, drawn-out negotiations that have plagued the club in past windows.
The player’s unveiling is expected to be accompanied by a media blitz, including interviews, a photoshoot at Old Trafford, and potential appearances during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States. João Pedro is said to be particularly excited about the opportunity to play in front of the Stretford End and is already preparing to move to Manchester with his family. His representatives have expressed gratitude to Brighton for supporting his development and facilitating a respectful exit.
As always, time will tell whether this move will pay off in the long term. But on paper, the signing of João Pedro appears to be a win-win for all parties involved. Manchester United get a rising star who fits their style and timeline. Brighton receive a substantial fee and the chance to reinvest. And João Pedro, the player at the center of it all, gets a dream move to one of the biggest clubs in world football—a chance to showcase his talent on the grandest stages and potentially write his name into the storied history of Manchester United.
With the deal all but complete, attention now turns to how João Pedro will integrate into Ten Hag’s plans and how quickly he can adapt to the expectations at Old Trafford. One thing is certain: this transfer marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative summer for Manchester United. And for João Pedro, it could be the launchpad to superstardom.
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