Chelsea signed Brazil striker Joao Pedro from Brighton on Wednesday in a deal worth around £60 million ($79 million), adding another name to their growing list of new signings this summer.
Pedro flew to the United States on Sunday after finalising the terms of his eight-year deal. He has now officially joined the squad as they compete in the Club World Cup, and he will be available for selection in their quarter-final match against Palmeiras in Philadelphia. FIFA rules allow teams in the knockout stages of the tournament to register new players until July 3.
The 23-year-old forward, who had been Brighton’s record signing when he joined from Watford for £30 million, brings plenty of experience from his time in the Premier League. During his two seasons with the Seagulls, Pedro scored 30 goals in 70 appearances. He has also been capped three times for Brazil at the senior level.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro said. “They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing – win.”
Pedro did not feature in Brighton’s final two matches of the previous season due to a training ground disagreement with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, which led to his omission from the squad.
He is now the fourth player to make the switch from Brighton to Chelsea in recent seasons, following Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez. The club seems to have found a comfortable pathway between the two Premier League sides.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market ahead of the new season. Along with Pedro, they’ve brought in young talents such as striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian, currently with Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, is also expected to join Chelsea after the tournament.
Another player possibly on his way is Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The Blues have reportedly agreed on a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million) for the 20-year-old, further strengthening their squad under new manager Enzo Maresca.
