Brighton's recruiting team gets another gem: Joao Pedro will join the Seagulls

Brighton have had a great week after beating Manchester United at home, and their fans have got another reason to be happy now as the club sealed the signing of Watford's exciting forward Joao Pedro for the club's record fee.

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 got 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.

Newcastle wanted to sign the 21-year-old starlet, but the Magpies opted for Alexander Isak instead. That left Pedro playing in the EFL Championship, where he scored 11 goals in 35 games, but it was only a matter of time before a bigger club came calling.

The player himself certainly reciprocates the love he got from Watford fans, and he has taken to social media to express his feelings on the day his move was confirmed.

"I wanted to thank Watford Football Club for all the love and care they have always shown me since I arrived. Today I leave with my head held high, knowing that I always gave my best for the club. Thanks to all the Watford fans for the love you've always shown me, just know that I appreciate you all. But now it's time to look for new challenges!"

Brighton's recruitment team is so convinced that the Brazilian is what they need that they were willing to break the club's record transfer, paying a reported $38 million fee to secure the young South American. Joao Pedro has signed a five-year deal at the Amex Stadium and will officially join his new club when the next transfer window opens in around a month.

Brighton's technical director David Weir is delighted after securing the transfer of the club's "top target".

"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."