Chelsea have struck a deal worth over £50 million to sign João Pedro from Brighton. The Brazilian forward will fly straight to America to join Enzo Maresca’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 23-year-old attacker is expected to complete his medical in the United States on Tuesday. He could make his Chelsea (2.08) debut as early as Saturday morning when the Blues face Palmeiras (3.70) in the quarter-finals.
Brighton (1.85) have accepted an offer of £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons. Pedro will sign a seven-year contract running until 2032, following Chelsea’s recent policy of lengthy deals for young players.
Newcastle Miss Out Again
Newcastle (2.80) had been tracking Pedro for months. The Magpies made two separate bids for the forward, but both were rejected. Chelsea’s higher offer and immediate Champions League soccer proved decisive.
This marks another transfer blow for Newcastle, who have struggled to land their top targets this summer. They had also lined up Pedro alongside Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Nottingham Forest (2.16) winger Anthony Elanga, but all three deals have collapsed.
Brighton’s £30m Profit
Brighton will make a healthy profit on Pedro, who joined them for £30 million from Watford in 2023. The forward has delivered 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances across two seasons on the south coast.
Pedro’s departure continues Brighton’s trend of selling their best players for significant fees. Chelsea have now spent £263 million on Brighton stars in the past three years, including Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, and Robert Sánchez.
Chelsea’s Attacking Overhaul
Pedro’s arrival follows Saturday’s £55 million signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea have also added Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30 million this summer.
The Blues have spent around £170 million on young forwards this window. Estêvão Willian will join from Palmeiras next year for £51 million.
However, departures are expected. Christopher Nkunku faces an uncertain future with Pedro’s arrival. The French forward plays a similar role and could be moved on.
Jadon Sancho has already returned to Manchester United after his loan spell. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended after failing a drug test.
Club World Cup Boost
Pedro’s immediate availability gives Maresca another option for the Club World Cup knockout stages. The tournament winner will earn a place in next summer’s expanded competition.
Chelsea beat Benfica 4-2 on Monday to reach the quarter-finals. They face Brazilian champions Palmeiras at 2 am BST on Saturday in Philadelphia.
The forward brings pace, movement, and finishing ability to complement Nicolas Jackson and Delap. His 30 goals in two seasons prove his Premier League credentials.
The Numbers Game
Pedro joins a Chelsea squad that finished sixth last season but secured Champions League soccer through the Club World Cup. The Blues scored 77 league goals, their highest tally since 2019-20.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler left Pedro out of their final Premier League match against Tottenham due to a “small issue”. The real issue was his impending departure.
Chelsea’s summer spending continues their aggressive recruitment policy under Todd Boehly. They have invested over £1 billion in new players since the Americans’ takeover in 2022.
The challenge now is balancing the squad. Players like João Félix, Raheem Sterling, and Armando Broja have been left out of the US tour and face uncertain futures.
But for Pedro, the move represents a step up. He joins a club with genuine title ambitions and the chance to win silverware immediately in America.
The Brazilian’s pace and direct running should suit Chelsea’s counter-attacking style. At 23, he fits their profile of young, hungry players ready to make an impact.
Saturday’s clash with Palmeiras will test Chelsea’s new-look attack. Pedro could be the difference-maker they need.g
