Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal worth £60 million. The 23-year-old has signed an eight-year contract and is expected to feature in Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Pedro, who previously played for Watford before moving to Brighton in 2023 for just under £30 million, scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls. The move marks a significant step in his career as he joins a club aiming to re-establish its dominance in domestic and international competitions.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” said Pedro. “They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join. When you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing – win.”
Chelsea’s transfer activity continues at a brisk pace, with a £55 million offer for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens also accepted. However, Gittens will be ineligible for the Club World Cup, having already featured in the competition for Dortmund. Other recent additions such as Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr, and Dario Essugo were registered in time for the tournament’s group stages.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler described Pedro’s departure as beneficial for all parties. “It’s an excellent deal for the club and a good return on a significant investment. Joao now has the chance to play Champions League football and strengthen his place in the Brazil national team ahead of the World Cup,” he said.
Under Chelsea’s current ownership, the club has spent over £1.32 billion on transfers across seven windows. Once potential add-ons and the expected arrival of Gittens are factored in, the figure is likely to exceed £1.5 billion. A substantial portion—over £560 million—has been spent on 18 attacking players, with mixed results.
Pedro’s arrival adds to Chelsea’s growing attacking options, which include Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu, and Tyrique George. The new signing is expected to compete for positions in both the number nine and 10 roles.
Chelsea’s strategy of signing young talents on long-term contracts continues, with players like Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian, and Mike Penders also set to join. The club hopes to balance its massive investment through player development and profitable sales.
The Premier League is currently assessing Chelsea’s sale of its women’s team to its parent company BlueCo for £198.7 million, a move that could significantly boost the club’s spending power if approved. Combined with Champions League revenues and expected earnings of over £50 million from the Club World Cup, Chelsea may continue to invest heavily in new talent.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire noted that approval of the BlueCo deal could open up another £200 million in spending flexibility. “If it is excluded, then things will be far more challenging and they may have to sell before buying,” he said.
Pedro’s signing reflects Chelsea’s intent to strengthen their attacking line-up while reshaping the squad for a competitive return to the Champions League. Players like Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, and Armando Broja remain on the transfer list, while potential loan moves for youngsters like Marc Guiu and Tyrique George are also being considered.
Former coach Edu Rubio praised the move, stating that Pedro fits Chelsea’s profile perfectly: “He is Premier League-proven, not a gamble. He brings link-up play, physicality, and can operate as a striker or false nine. He adds a much-needed presence and tactical flexibility.”
Pedro is now expected to make his Chelsea debut this weekend as the club continues its Club World Cup campaign in Philadelphia.
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