On July 2, 2025, Chelsea Football Club officially announced the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, marking another significant addition to their attacking arsenal under manager Enzo Maresca. The 23-year-old, who has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues, is set to bring versatility, flair, and Premier League-proven quality to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth up to £60 million.
A Rising Star from Brazil
Born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Joao Pedro Junqueira de Jesus emerged as a prodigy in the youth ranks of Fluminense, where he transitioned from a defensive midfielder to a dynamic attacking player. His early promise caught the attention of Watford, who secured his signature in January 2020 before he had even made his senior debut for Fluminense. At Watford, Pedro showcased his potential, scoring 24 goals in 109 appearances, occasionally captaining the side despite his youth.
In May 2023, Brighton signed Pedro for a then-club-record fee of around £30 million, and he quickly became a standout performer. Over two seasons, he scored an impressive 30 goals in 70 appearances, including six goals in the Europa League group stage during the 2023/24 season, where he finished as the competition’s top scorer. His ability to score from penalties, link play, and create chances made him a key figure in Brighton’s attack.
Why Chelsea Moved for Pedro
Chelsea’s pursuit of Joao Pedro was driven by his unique profile, which fills a gap in Maresca’s squad. Unlike traditional strikers like Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap, Pedro excels as a versatile forward capable of playing as a centre-forward, second striker, or attacking midfielder. His ability to drop deep, link play, and drift into the left half-space aligns perfectly with Maresca’s possession-based system, which emphasizes technical quality and progression through the thirds
The Athletic highlights Pedro’s knack for “stitching attacks together,” noting his tendency to create space for teammates by dragging defenders out of position. While his goal-scoring rate (0.22 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes) may not be prolific, his value lies in his all-around contributions, including assists, work off the ball, and physicality. Comparisons have been drawn to Roberto Firmino’s role at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, suggesting Pedro could be the creative hub linking Chelsea’s midfield and attack.
Chelsea’s recruitment team, bolstered by former Brighton chief Sam Jewell, saw Pedro as a strategic fit. His Premier League experience, with 22 goals across his spells at Watford and Brighton, makes him a low-risk signing with significant upside, especially at 23 years old. Additionally, Pedro qualifies as a homegrown player under Premier League rules, having spent three years at Watford before turning 21, adding further value to the transfer
The Transfer Saga
The transfer wasn’t without competition. Newcastle United were heavily linked with Pedro, with reports suggesting they had a £50 million bid rejected earlier in the summer. However, Pedro’s preference for Chelsea, coupled with the club’s swift negotiations, saw them secure the deal with a £55 million base fee plus £5 million in add-ons. The Brazilian flew from his homeland to the United States for a medical, passing it on July 1, 2025, before joining Chelsea’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Brighton, while reluctant to lose their star forward, viewed the deal as a “good move for all parties,” with head coach Fabian Hürzeler noting the significant profit on their initial investment and the depth in their attacking options. The transfer also comes after Pedro missed Brighton’s final two matches of the 2024/25 season due to a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, though he is not considered a troublemaker
Fitting into Maresca’s System
Pedro’s arrival bolsters an already crowded Chelsea attack, which includes recent signings like Liam Delap (£30 million from Ipswich Town) and Jamie Gittens (£55 million from Borussia Dortmund). His versatility allows Maresca to deploy him in various roles, potentially as a false nine, a No. 10, or even drifting in from the left wing. This flexibility could see him complement the creativity of Cole Palmer and the directness of Delap or Jackson.
Standard Sport outlines possible lineups, suggesting Pedro could play behind a traditional striker like Delap in a 4-2-3-1 or operate as a central figure in a 4-3-3. His ability to drop deep and create chances could free up wingers to make runs in behind, enhancing Chelsea’s attacking fluidity. However, his integration may come at the cost of Christopher Nkunku’s departure, as the two share similar profiles, with reports indicating Chelsea are open to offers for the Frenchman
A Brazilian Legacy at Chelsea
Pedro joins a rich tradition of Brazilian players at Chelsea, following in the footsteps of icons like David Luiz, Thiago Silva, and Willian. In his first interview with the club, he revealed speaking with Luiz about his career development, though not specifically about Chelsea. Pedro also credited current Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos for providing insights about the club, which helped sway his decision over Newcastle.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro told Chelsea’s official website. “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.”
Looking Ahead
Pedro’s immediate focus is the FIFA Club World Cup, where he could make his debut against Palmeiras in the quarter-finals on July 5, 2025, in Philadelphia, thanks to a FIFA rule allowing squad changes until July 3. His arrival, alongside Gittens and Delap, signals Chelsea’s intent to compete on multiple fronts, with the Champions League and Premier League also on the horizon.
While some fans on platforms like Reddit have questioned the £60 million fee, citing Pedro’s goal-scoring numbers as comparable to Jackson’s, others see him as a perfect fit for Maresca’s system. His Premier League experience, versatility, and potential for growth make him a calculated investment in Chelsea’s long-term strategy of unearthing and developing young talent for profit.
As Chelsea continue their aggressive transfer policy—spending over £1.32 billion under their current ownership—Joao Pedro represents both a tactical and financial play. With his ambition to “win trophies” and emulate the success of his Brazilian predecessors, the stage is set for Pedro to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.
