Watford’s teenage striker João Pedro has extended his contract with the newly-promoted side until 2027.
João Pedro Extends Watford Stay
Young Player of the Season to Stay Until 2027
The former Fluminense players’ original deal was set to expire in 2025, but the 19-year-old has opted to extend his stay at Vicarage Road by two years.
Pedro played an essential role in Watford’s highly successful season, scoring key goals that helped the Hornets finish second in the Championship and secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League after their relegation in the previous season.
After a disappointing start to life in England, in which Pedro played a combined 22 minutes in three substitution appearances, the young Brazilian turned things around in his first full season at the Vic.
Pedro Became a Harbinger of Victory for the Hornets
Pedro scored nine goals in 38 league appearances, finishing as the club’s second-highest scorer behind Ismaila Sarr. However, it was not simply about the number of goals that earned Pedro the extension, but the quality.
Throughout the season, Pedro became a harbinger of good luck. Watford won each of the nine games in which Pedro hit the back of the net.
The young Brazilian opened his account early, scoring his first goal as a Hornet in the 35th minute against local rival Luton Town on matchday three.
He followed up his on derby day winner two weeks later with the only goal against Derby County and continued to be decisive. Of his nine goals, seven gave Watford the lead, and three proved to be match winners.
Along with his goals, Pedro also contributed two assists and 24 key passes. His consistency and ability to score in big matches led him to receive the AFEX Watford Young Player of the Season award.
João Pedro Part of Watford’s Plans to Bolster Attack Ahead of Premier League Campaign
However, Pedro’s new contact extension comes with higher expectations for his return to the English top flight. If the Hertfordshire club is to stay up this time around, they will need to score more than the 36 goals they could only manage in the 2019/20 season.
The club has already been rumoured to be pursuing Reading striker Yakou Méïté, who has demonstrated his consistent ability to score after three seasons in the Championship.
The Hornets are also reportedly interested in Udinese’s star attacking midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who has proven his attacking prowess over the past five seasons in Serie A.
Watford have also expressed interest in another trio of proven attackers, having opened negotiations with Chelsea to sign striker Ike Ugbo, who has impressed in both the Dutch and Belgian top flights over the past two seasons.
Watford are also linked with River Plate star Rafael Santos Borré, who has scored 35 goals in 99 appearances with the Argentine outfit, and are mulling over a move for Queen Park Rangers’ influential playmaker, Ilias Chair.
Regardless of who ends up at Vicarage Road next season, they will be joining the likes of Pedro and Sarr to help Watford re-establish themselves as a perennial Premier League side.
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