Chelsea confirmed the signing of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £60 million ($79 million) on an eight-year contract.
The 23-year-old, who flew to the United States on Sunday, June 29, 2025, to join Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, completed his medical and is eligible to play in their quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on July 5, 2025, under FIFA’s July 3 deadline for registering new players in the tournament’s knockout phase.
Pedro expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, stating, “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history. 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, capped three times by Brazil, scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton since his £30 million move from Watford in 2023.
His transfer follows a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, which led to his exclusion from Brighton’s final two matches of the season.
Chelsea, who qualified for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, have been active in the transfer market, signing striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr.
Pedro becomes the fourth Brighton player acquired by Chelsea in recent years, following Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.
The club also secured a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old winger Jamie Gittens for up to €65 million ($76 million) on June 28, 2025, and will welcome 18-year-old Brazilian star Estevao Willian from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup.
What You Should Know
- Chelsea signed Joao Pedro from Brighton for £60 million on July 2, 2025, on an eight-year contract.
- The 23-year-old Brazilian striker, with 30 goals in 70 Brighton appearances, is eligible for Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.
- Pedro’s move follows a training ground incident that led to his exclusion from Brighton’s final matches.
- Chelsea have also signed Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Jamie Gittens, with Estevao Willian set to join post-tournament.
- The transfer aligns with Chelsea’s strategy to bolster their squad for the Club World Cup and the 2025/26 Champions League season.
