Chelsea Football Club have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £60 million.
The 22-year-old has signed an eight-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2033. He is expected to join the squad immediately as Chelsea prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras.
Pedro, who came through the youth system at Fluminense in Brazil, joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for just under £30 million — a record fee for the club at the time. Since then, he scored 30 goals in 70 appearances.
Speaking after the move, Pedro said: “Everyone knows Chelsea is a big club with a great history. They’ve had amazing players in the past and even now. I’m excited to join and I know that when you play for Chelsea, the only goal is to win.”
Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, described the transfer as a good deal for all sides. “It’s a great move for Joao. He’ll now get the chance to play Champions League football and strengthen his place in the Brazil national team ahead of the next World Cup,” he said.
Pedro is one of several players Chelsea have signed this summer. Others include Liam Delap for £30 million, Dário Essugo for £18.5 million, and Mamadou Sarr for £18 million. Another Brazilian youngster, Estevao Willian, will join from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup.
Chelsea are also in talks to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported to be worth more than £50 million.
