This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Joao Pedro will not be leaving Watford this summer, as per The Athletic, as the Hornets look to bounce straight back to the Premier League.
It has been a very difficult environment for a 20-year-old this season, as the Hornets were relegated to the Championship with a whimper, and the Brazilian's performances in the 2020/21 campaign will give supporters hope that he can hit the ground running back in the second tier.
Pedro has three seasons left on his deal at Vicarage Road which puts the club in a very strong position financially, if serious interest does arise.
We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe it is the right call to keep Pedro at the club and if he can help the club kick on towards promotion...
Josh Cole
This is the correct stance by Watford regarding Joao Pedro’s future as he demonstrated during his most recent campaign in the Championship that he is able to deliver the goods at this level.
In the 2020/21 campaign, the Brazilian provided 12 direct goal contributions in the second tier as the Hornets secured promotion to the top-flight.
Whereas the 20-year-old was less effective in the Premier League, there is no reason why he cannot go on to make a positive impact for Watford later this year.
By producing some consistent performances in the secondtier, the forward could potentially help his side launch a push for a top-two finish.
Charlie Gregory
Joao Pedro is a solid option for Watford to have in their side now they are back in the Championship and could definitely get them the goals that they need.
He has a total of 13 goals in 74 games for the Hornets during his career so far but can most definitely add to that tally given the chance in the second tier.
He has his best tally during his time in the Championship and could do similar next year.
With nine goals during that season - and considering the fact he is still only 20-years-old - the room is there for him to improve and get even better too.
Pedro then could be an option they really utilise back in the second division - and it could pay off handsomely.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
Keeping João Pedro at the club this summer would be a wise move from Watford.
With the likes of Ismailia Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis set to leave, the Hornets must keep hold of some attacking talent, and João Pedro may be the most talented of the bunch.
In 2020/21, as Watford were promoted from the Championship, the young Brazilian scored nine and assisted three in what was his first full season in England, and that experience will only benefit him going into next campaign.
Although he only scored three in the Premier League, Watford were a poor side, and the Brazilian did show real glimpses of quality.
I think the key here is Rob Edwards finding a position in which he can thrive in his system.
There has always been some debate as to João Pedro's best position - whether it was through the middle leading the line, through the middle dropping in to the midfield, or out on the left, and I think if that can be resolved, Watford will see the best of him next campaign.
I'm certainly excited to see how he gets on in the second-tier this time around.