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Joao Pedro to Chelsea: £60m Deal Struck as Brazilian Star Prepares for Club World Cup Debut

Chelsea have finalized a deal worth up to £60 million to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, reinforcing their attacking ranks ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The 23-year-old has agreed to a long-term seven-year contract with the Blues and will fly to the United States to undergo his medical and join up with Enzo Maresca’s squad.

The timing of the transfer is crucial. With the Club World Cup registration window open between June 27 and July 3, Pedro is eligible to feature immediately and could make his Chelsea debut in the quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia, scheduled for early Saturday morning UK time.

Pedro arrives at Chelsea after a standout season with Brighton. He registered 40 goal involvements (including 24 goals and 16 assists) across 70 appearances in all competitions since joining from Watford in 2023. Notably, he was the top scorer in the 2023/24 Europa League group stage, where he scored decisive goals, including a last-minute winner against Marseille that secured Brighton’s place in the knockout rounds.

The move underscores Chelsea’s strong relationship with Brighton, who have inserted a sell-on clause in the deal. Despite rival interest from Newcastle United—who reportedly had a £50 million bid rejected—Pedro had his heart set on joining Chelsea, motivated by the club’s European ambitions and the chance to further his international credentials ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Brighton were initially reluctant to sell, but internal factors accelerated the transfer. Pedro’s red card against Brentford and a subsequent training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke led to growing speculation about his future. While not viewed as disruptive, these events hinted at tensions behind the scenes.

Chelsea view Pedro as a flexible attacker capable of playing across the front line, particularly as a central striker. His arrival adds to an evolving forward line that also includes Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

In parallel, Chelsea are also on the verge of signing Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for €65 million (£55.5m). However, Gittens is ineligible for the Club World Cup, having already played in the competition with Dortmund.

For Brighton, the sale of Pedro continues their pragmatic approach: allowing players to leave when the timing and financial value align. The Seagulls have forward depth in Georginio Rutter, Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, and rising Greek talent Charalampos Kostoulas.

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