Sports

Joao Pedro Joins Chelsea From Brighton

Published July 2, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Chelsea have completed the signing of Brighton forward, Joao Pedro who is eligible to play for the side in the ongoing Club World Cup.

Chelsea, who are currently in the quarter-finals stage of the competition, paid £60 million for the services of João Pedro.

The Brazilian forward cut short his holiday in his home country to fly to the United States for his medical and to unite with his new club.

With the completion of the deal earlier today, July 2, the 23-year-old forward is expected to be available for the game against Palmeiras (02:00 BST) on Saturday in Philadelphia.

João Pedro made 70 appearances in all competitions, in which he scored 30 goals for Brighton.

He joined the Premier League club from Watford in 2023 for a transfer fee worth about £30 million, a then transfer record fee for the club.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” said João Pedro after sealing his move to Chelsea. “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.”

Brighton’s head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.

“It’s also an exciting move for Joao – it allows him to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team before the World Cup next summer.”

Note that Joao Pedro is the 4th major signing Chelsea have completed this summer. They have signed Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo.

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a £50 million deal for English winger Jamie Gittens who is currently playing for Borussia Dortmund. Unlike Pedro, Gittens, 20, is not eligible to play for the Blues in the 2025 Club World Cup because he has already played in the tournament with Dortmund.

Author:

Ernest Victor

Victor Ernest Osong is a passionate communicator, teacher, poet, well-trained journalist, creative strategist, purpose-driven storyteller, and realist. With a strong foundation in writing, editing, content development, and leadership, he specializes in shaping narratives that inform, inspire, and ignite action. Email: [email protected]