Chelsea Snap Up Joao Pedro in £60m Deal from Brighton
Chelsea aren’t just shopping this summer, they’re doing a full supermarket sweep. The latest item tossed into Enzo Maresca’s overflowing basket? Joao Pedro from Brighton, signed for a cool £60 million. That’s £55m upfront and another £5m in add-ons. Because why stop at just one flashy forward when you can buy three?
The 23-year-old Brazilian is already en route to the U.S. for a medical and could be available for Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday (kick-off: 02:00 BST). Talk about making an entrance.
Chelsea Go Full FIFA Career Mode (Again)
Joao Pedro isn’t the only new name on the Stamford Bridge welcome mat. His arrival comes hot on the heels of a £55m agreement for Dortmund’s teenage winger Jamie Gittens, announced hours before Chelsea saw off Benfica to reach the last eight of the tournament. Gittens, though, is cup-tied and won’t feature in the Club World Cup.
So, while Pedro could be suiting up against Palmeiras, Gittens will have to settle for a front-row seat.
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Joao Pedro: From Watford to World Stage
Pedro’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Signed by Brighton in 2023 for a then-club record £30m, he’s repaid the faith with 30 goals and 10 assists across 70 appearances. Now, he doubles that fee and joins Chelsea’s crowded attack, ready to take the next step.
He was left out of Brighton’s final game of the season against Spurs, with manager Fabian Hürzeler citing a “small issue.” We’re guessing it wasn’t just a dodgy hamstring, it was more like the calm before a big-money storm.
A New Era or Just Another Overhaul?
If it feels like Chelsea are signing a new forward every week, it’s because they kind of are. Joao Pedro joins Gittens and Liam Delap (signed for £30m from Ipswich) as the latest names on Maresca’s chalkboard. Add in 18-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, and suddenly Chelsea’s forward line looks like a FIFA Wonderkid database.
All in, they’ve dropped around £170m on emerging talent this summer. It’s bold. It’s chaotic. It’s classic Todd Boehly.
But here’s the kicker, there’s actual method to this madness. Chelsea are prepping for a return to the Champions League, and a long Club World Cup run means they’ll need squad depth for days.
Big Names Could Be Heading Out
Joao Pedro’s versatility means he might just nudge Christopher Nkunku out the door. Both players operate in similar roles, floating forwards with flair and finishing but Chelsea seem to have made their choice. Nkunku, despite his talent, could be the odd man out.
Jamie Gittens, meanwhile, is effectively the replacement for Jadon Sancho, who’s gone back to Manchester United after a rather uneventful Chelsea loan spell. The club recouped a £5m “penalty fee” for his early exit.
And while we’re at it, don’t rule out Noni Madueke leaving either. The arrival of Estevao Willian only adds to the right-wing congestion, and Madueke’s place is suddenly looking a bit shaky.
Oh, and Mykhailo Mudryk? Still provisionally suspended following a failed drugs test. That’s one less attacker for now, but this is Chelsea, we all know someone else will show up by next week.
Also Read- Joao Neves Double Destroys Inter Miami As PSG March Into Club World Cup Quarters
