Transfer Centre

Manchester City to hijack Watford deal for Joao Pedro?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 27 June 2019

Manchester City are reportedly planning to hijack Watford's deal to sign 17-year-old Fluminense starlet Joao Pedro by offering the Hornets £18m in compensation.

Manchester City are reportedly planning to hijack Watford's deal for Joao Pedro by offering their Premier League rivals almost £18m in compensation.

Watford agreed a £2m deal for the 17-year-old Fluminense starlet last October which will see him join the Hornets when he turns 18 in January 2020.

However, new Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt is understood to be unhappy with the deal and there is reportedly a clause in the contract which will allow another club to hijack the transfer by giving Watford £17.9m as compensation.

The Daily Star reports that Man City are considering approaching Fluminense to trigger that clause after being impressed by the youngster, who has scored three goals in six games during the current Brazilian Serie A campaign.

However, Pedro is understood to have his heart set on joining Watford due to his desire to follow in the footsteps of Richarlison, who also swapped Fluminense for Vicarage Road before moving to Everton for £50m.

The promise of regular first-team football in the Premier League is thought to be a major reason behind Pedro favouring Watford, with Man City planning to send the teenager out on loan.

Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the attacker.