Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion on a seven‑year contract, in a blockbuster deal reportedly worth up to £60 million.
Chelsea seal seven‑year deal to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton
The 23‑year‑old sealed his move after making clear his only destination was Stamford Bridge, dismissing interest from Newcastle.
Pedro will travel from Brazil to the United States to undergo a medical early this week, enabling him to be registered in time for Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter‑final clash with Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday.
FIFA’s registration window for the knockout stages closes on July 3, so Pedro’s inclusion would strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad immediately.
The fee structure reportedly includes an initial £55 million, with a further £5 million in performance‑based add‑ons, plus a sell‑on clause benefiting Brighton.
Brighton stand to double their initial investment, having purchased Pedro for around £30 million from Watford in May 2023.
Pedro’s arrival brings versatility to Chelsea’s attacking options—he can operate as a centre‑forward, second striker, wide attacker, or attacking midfielder.
During his two‑year spell at Brighton, he recorded an impressive 30 goals and 10 assists across 70 appearances, including leading the Europa League group stage in scoring.
Brighton manager Fabien Hurzeler previously commented that Pedro handles internal friction such as a brief training‑ground incident with Jan Paul van Hecke maturely and remains a top talent.
Chelsea’s recruitment team, led by Sam Jewell (who originally signed Pedro to Brighton), clearly believes in his character and potential.
Chelsea are also closing in on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens—another player set to pen a seven‑year deal though cup‑tied for the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian’s arrival follows earlier forward acquisition Liam Delap, further hinting at a potent attacking overhaul.
For Malesca, Pedro offers dynamic creativity and positional fluidity a prized fit compared to more static profiles like Christopher Nkunku or Joao Felix. With Chelsea ready to offload those players, Pedro arrives as a fresh start.
