Brighton sign João Pedro for club-record £30m and agree deal with James Milner

The Brazilian forward João Pedro has joined Brighton from Watford for a club-record £30m fee, signing a five-year contract running until June 2028.

Brighton are also closing in on James Milner, who is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer after agreeing a one-year-deal with Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

“João has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe,” the Brighton technical director, David Weir, told the club’s official website.

“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.”

Brighton have also confirmed that the 21-year-old will officially join the club when the summer transfer window opens on 1 July. João Pedro has scored 24 goals in 109 Watford appearances after joining the Hornets from Fluminense in January 2020.

An agreement has been reached with Milner after discussions through the week with the 37-year-old, who will bring vast experience and versatility to De Zerbi’s squad. Brighton are pushing for a Europa League place, and are currently sixth with two games in hand on Tottenham and Aston Villa, both a point behind the Seagulls.

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When asked about Milner’s future on Friday, the Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, said it was up to the player to decide. “I can say I’ve had really good conversations with him,” Klopp said. “He knows how highly I rate him, it’s his decision”.