CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United have done “due diligence” and scouted Flamengo striker Pedro – even before Jesse Marsch’s arrival. The star is currently in Qatar with Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Pedro, 25, came through the ranks at Brazilian side Fluminense and after scoring 20 goals in 58 games, he joined Serie A side Fiorentina. He struggled in Italy, managing just four senior appearances. He went on loan to Flamengo in 2020.
The Brazil international, who has two caps and has been included in the World Cup squad by Tite, has spent the last three seasons at Flamengo. In that time, he has resurrected his career – clocking up 78 goals and assists in 146 games.
But it was his form during Brazil’s 2022 campaign – which goes from winter to winter – that caught the eye. Playing 59 times, he scored 29 goals and laid on 10 assists. Jacobs says Leeds are keen, in a player that has a £87m exit clause.
Indeed, the CBS man says Leeds have actually been scouting Pedro – and have done “due diligence” on the player. Jesse Marsch is a fan of the forward, but Leeds have been keeping an eye on Pedro even before the American arrived.
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“Leeds have done a fair amount of due diligence and scouting on the player, even predating Jesse Marsch, so he’s one to watch as far as Leeds and the World Cup are concerned,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport, on Leeds and a move for Pedro.
Jacobs: Leeds have done due diligence on Flamengo striker Pedro
Pedro was a good striker, coming into the 2022 season. But his story was one of many Brazilian talents. Players that have starred in their home country – but when given the chance to do so in Europe, they have failed to shine.
But this season, Pedro took his form to a whole new level. To produce 39 goal involvements in one season is quite remarkable – albeit, in Brazilian football. But the standard of the Brazilian Serie A is seriously improving.
It is unclear how much Flamengo will want for Pedro. He has a deal at his current side until the end of the 2025 season. Pedro also has a release clause worth £87million. But the chances are a figure could be around a third of that fee.
