Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth up to £60 million.
The 23-year-old attacker has signed a long-term eight-year contract with the West London club, signaling a major show of faith from Chelsea in his potential and future at Stamford Bridge. Pedro, who impressed last season with his flair, versatility, and eye for goal, is expected to add firepower and creativity to Enzo Maresca’s squad as they prepare for a busy campaign ahead.
Pedro has already joined up with his new teammates in the United States, where Chelsea are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues are keen to make an impression in the tournament, and Pedro’s arrival comes as a timely boost to the squad.
According to FIFA rules, clubs are permitted to register players between June 27 and July 3, meaning Pedro is eligible to play in the competition. He is now in line to make his Chelsea debut as early as Friday when the Blues face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia. Kick-off is scheduled for 2am on Saturday morning (Nigerian time).
Joao Pedro, who joined Brighton from Watford last summer, enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and providing several assists across all competitions. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, but it was Chelsea who moved swiftly to secure his signature as part of their summer rebuild.
The Brazilian becomes Chelsea’s second major signing under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who is looking to mold a younger, dynamic squad capable of competing both domestically and on the world stage. Pedro’s ability to play across the front line and his sharp movement in the final third make him a valuable asset in Maresca’s attacking system.
Chelsea are determined to bounce back from a disappointing season and see Pedro as a key figure in their long-term project. His arrival also underlines the club’s continued investment in young, high-potential talent — a strategy that has defined their transfer approach in recent windows.
If all goes according to plan, Chelsea fans could see Pedro pull on the blue shirt for the first time this weekend, as the club eyes global silverware and a positive start to a new era.
