Chelsea have agreed to sign Brazilian forward João Pedro from Brighton in a deal worth over £50 million, marking their second major signing in under a week.
The 23-year-old attacker is set to sign a seven-year contract and could feature as early as Friday in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.
Pedro, currently flying in from Brazil, will undergo his medical in the United States ahead of his potential debut in Philadelphia. His imminent arrival adds more attacking firepower to Enzo Maresca’s side, who are targeting silverware on the global stage.
Although Newcastle reportedly showed interest, Brighton turned down two bids from unnamed Premier League sides before accepting Chelsea’s offer.
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This signing comes just days after Chelsea reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens for £55 million. However, Gittens is ineligible for the Club World Cup, having already played in the competition for Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Pedro’s eligibility and form could prove crucial for Chelsea. Since joining Brighton from Watford in 2023 for a club-record £30 million, he has scored 30 goals and registered 10 assists in 70 appearances. His consistency and versatility across the front line have made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards.
Chelsea move quickly to strengthen squad for Club World Cup ambitions
Pedro’s move also hints at Brighton’s willingness to evolve under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, who left him out of their season-ending clash against Tottenham citing a “small issue.” While it may have signaled the forward’s looming departure, it also allowed Chelsea to swoop in and finalise the transfer without disruption.
With the Club World Cup quarter-final around the corner, Pedro’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Chelsea are keen to make an impression at the tournament, and with a high-profile signing like Pedro, their intent is clear – compete, win, and dominate.
Tags: Chelsea, #ktbffh, #CFC, Brighton, Joao Pedro, #FIFAClubWorldCup2025, #CWC, #COYB.
