Chelsea Complete £60m Signing of Brazilian Forward Joao Pedro from Brighton

Chelsea have secured the signing of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($79 million), marking another major addition to their squad under Enzo Maresca.

Pedro flew to the United States on Sunday where the Blues are competing in the FIFA Club World Cup after finalising the terms of an eight-year contract. The move was confirmed on Wednesday following a successful medical, making the 23-year-old eligible to feature in Chelsea’s quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

FIFA regulations allow clubs involved in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup to register new players up until July 3, clearing the way for Pedro’s immediate involvement.

Speaking after the announcement, Pedro expressed his excitement about joining the London club.

“Everyone knows Chelsea is a massive club with a proud history,” he said. “They’ve had great players in the past and still do now. When you play for Chelsea, there’s only one thing on your mind winning.”

Pedro made a strong impression at Brighton after joining from Watford for £30 million in 2023. He netted 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls and has earned three senior caps for Brazil. However, his final weeks at the Amex Stadium were clouded by a training ground incident involving team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke, which saw him dropped from the squad for the final two matches of the season.

His arrival continues a recent trend of players moving from Brighton to Stamford Bridge, following the likes of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea, who will return to Champions League action next season, have been busy in the transfer market. The club has already signed young talents including striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian, another highly rated Brazilian prospect, is also expected to join once his Club World Cup commitments conclude.

Additionally, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens appears to be on the verge of a move to West London, with a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million) reportedly agreed.