Chelsea has officially signed Joan Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion, as announced by the club. According to ESPN, the clubs have reached an agreement for a transfer deal valued at £60 million ($82 million) for the forward.
The 23-year-old has signed a contract extending for eight years at Stamford Bridge and made his debut for Chelsea on Friday during the Club World Cup quarter-finals against Palmeiras. Sources indicated that Pedro chose Chelsea over interest from Newcastle, highlighting his excitement about joining such a historically significant club. "Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history," Pedro stated. "They have had great players in the past and now they have great players. So I’m excited to be in, and when you’re a Chelsea player, you know you have to think about one thing – winning."
Pedro began his career at Brazilian club Fluminense before moving to the UK in 2020, where he spent three years at Watford before shining at Brighton. During his two years with Brighton, he scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists, while also earning three caps for the Brazilian national team. He is expected to contend for a starting position alongside fellow newcomer Liam Dellup.
"This is a beneficial move for everyone involved. It represents a solid return on significant investments in a competitive market with ample offensive talent," noted an insider. "This transfer is a thrilling opportunity for Joan, as he will experience Champions League football this season and aims to strengthen his position on the Brazilian national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Joan contributed positively during his time with us, and we wish him the best for the future."
Fan Take: This transfer signifies Chelsea’s commitment to bolstering their squad as they aim for glory in both domestic and European competitions. For soccer fans, Pedro’s arrival not only amplifies the excitement around Chelsea but also adds to the competitive narrative of the Premier League, as clubs vie for top talent.
