Chelsea FC has landed its next new signing in Joao Pedro. The Brazilian is moving from Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge and has signed a long-term contract with the Blues. He could make his first competitive appearance as early as Saturday.
As the reigning Conference League winners announced on Wednesday, Joao Pedro has signed an eight-year contract in London until 2033. According to media reports, Chelsea will transfer around £50 million (approximately €58 million) to Brighton. Joao Pedro underwent a medical in the US and could make his debut for Chelsea as early as Saturday (3 a.m. CET) in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.
“Everyone knows that this is a big club with a great history,” the striker is quoted as saying in the club statement. “They have had brilliant players in the past and they have brilliant players now. I’m really looking forward to coming here. As a Chelsea player, you only have one thing on your mind – winning.”
Proven in the Premier League
The striker, who came through the ranks at Fluminense, has been playing in England since 2019. In 2023, Joao Pedro moved from Watford to Brighton for £30 million, becoming the most expensive signing in the club’s history. In the south of England, Joao Pedro blossomed into a key player, scoring 25 goals in 64 games over the past two seasons. In the past season, the 23-year-old contributed ten goals and six assists in 27 league games to the team’s eighth-place finish under German coach Fabian Hürzeler.
In Brighton, the Brazilian also matured into a national team player (3 caps) and attracted the interest of bigger clubs. Champions League participants Newcastle United and Chelsea FC were at the forefront of the race to sign the Brazilian, but Brighton rejected initial offers. However, the Blues did not give up and ultimately won the race.
After Liam Delap, Joao Pedro is the next striker to be signed by Chelsea this summer. According to the BBC, the Brazilian is also set to replace Christopher Nkunku, whom the Blues would not stand in the way of if he wanted to leave.
Negotiations are also underway with Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens regarding a possible transfer, which is imminent.
