Watford have announced that they have agreed a new long-term contract with Joao Pedro.
Throughout the summer transfer window, the forward was heavily linked with a transfer to a Premier League club on the back of Watford's relegation.
Newcastle United and Everton were both said to have made bids for the Brazilian without having an offer accepted by the Hornets.
Rather than continue to negotiate with the Watford board, those two teams went in different directions, signing Alexander Isak and Neal Maupay respectively.
The 20-year-old had expected to remain a player in demand ahead of January with Watford said to be open to a sale for the right price.
The Boy from Brazil... Stays. 🇧🇷✨#JoãoPedro2028 | @DeJesusofiicial pic.twitter.com/R3F7YyVWXP
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) September 23, 2022
However, it now appears that Pedro plans to remain at Vicarage Road for the foreseeable future after extending his terms at the club until 2028.
The development is somewhat of a coup for Watford at a time when they are struggling to keep pace with the top two in the Championship standings.
Although 14 points have been collected from their opening 10 matches of the campaign, Rob Edwards's side sit nine points adrift of leaders Sheffield United.
Watford are currently in 10th spot, just four points above the relegation zone, and reports have suggested that Edwards is under pressure after picking up just three league wins.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, retaining the services of Pedro can only boost the mood around the club with the playmaker now in a position to focus on moving Watford up the table.
As it stands, the former Fluminense youngster has contributed two goals and two assists from his nine starts in the second tier this campaign.
However, none of those have been registered in his last three appearances, Watford recording just two points from games with Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland.
Pedro will expect to remain in the first XI when Watford square off against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on October 2.
Darren Plant
