Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazil international Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £60 million. The 22-year-old forward has signed a long-term eight-year contract that runs until 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras.
Joao Pedro, who came through the youth system at Fluminense, impressed at Brighton after joining from Watford in 2023 for a then-club record fee of just under £30 million. He scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls. Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history, Pedro said of Chelsea. They’ve had brilliant players in the past and still do. When you play for Chelsea, you think about one thing — winning.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler praised the deal, calling it a good move for all parties. It’s a great deal for the club and gives Joao the chance to play Champions League football and push for a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad next year, he said.
Joao Pedro is the latest addition in what has been a busy transfer window for Chelsea. The club has already signed:
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Liam Delap for £30 million
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Dário Essugo for £18.5 million
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Mamadou Sarr for £18 million
Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian is also set to join from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup. Chelsea are additionally in advanced talks for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with a deal nearing completion with Borussia Dortmund worth over £50 million.
