Chelsea confirm Joao Pedro signing from Brighton in a £60million deal

Chelsea have announced the signing of Brazil international Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Brazil forward has signed an eight-year contract in a deal worth £60m that runs through to 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of our FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.

The Fluminense youth product scored 30 goals in 70 games for Brighton after joining from Watford in 2023 for just under £30m, which at the time was a club-record fee.

‘Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,’ Joao 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.’

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 gives him the opportunity 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.”

Brazil international Pedro is another big statement signing for Chelsea who have already signed Liam Delap for £30 million, Dário Essugo for £18.5 million and Mamadou Sarr for £18m.

Brazil wonderkid Estevao Willian will join from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup. They also want Jamie Gittens and are close to a £50m-plus deal with Borussia Dortmund.

Source: LIB