Chelsea have officially signed Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($79 million). The 23-year-old striker joins the Blues on an eight-year contract, adding firepower to Enzo Maresca’s squad ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Pedro flew to the United States on Sunday, where Chelsea are currently participating in the tournament. With his medical completed and the transfer finalized, he is eligible to feature in the Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia. FIFA has set July 3 as the registration deadline for players joining the knockout phase.
“Everyone knows Chelsea is a big club with a rich history,” Pedro said after sealing the move. “They’ve had great players before and still do. I’m excited to be part of this, and as a Chelsea player, there’s only one mindset to win.”
Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for £30 million and impressed with 30 goals in 70 appearances. He has also earned three caps for the Brazilian national team. However, he missed Brighton’s final two fixtures last season following a reported training ground incident involving teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
He becomes the fourth player to switch from Brighton to Chelsea in recent seasons, following Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea, who have secured a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, are making major moves in the transfer market. The club has already added striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. Rising Brazilian talent Estevao Willian, 18, is also set to join the squad after his Club World Cup campaign with Palmeiras.
Additionally, Chelsea are closing in on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, with a deal reportedly worth up to €65 million ($76 million) agreed for the 20-year-old.
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