On August 11th 2024, Chelsea Football Club announced the signing of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £51.4m plus £2.6m in bonuses, marking a significant addition to their squad under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of that announcement, we reflect on Neto's journey at Stamford Bridge, his contributions, challenges, and growing influence in the Chelsea blue.
One year ago today since Pedro Neto was confirmed as a Chelsea player... 🇵🇹
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 11, 2025
Thoughts on his year at the club? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4OaDc8l8jF
A High-Profile Arrival
Neto's transfer to Chelsea was a whirlwind affair, completed in near secrecy and finalized just days after initial talks surfaced. The 24-year-old Portuguese winger, known for his pace, creativity, and versatility, signed a seven-year contract, signaling the club's long-term faith in his potential. Introduced to fans at halftime during a preseason friendly against Inter Milan, Neto expressed his gratitude: “I feel really grateful to have joined this club. I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt.”
His arrival pushed Chelsea’s summer spending past £200m, joining a raft of signings including Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Filip Jörgensen. However, Neto's signing raised eyebrows due to his injury history and the club’s already crowded winger options, including Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk. Critics questioned where he would fit and whether his fitness could hold up, but his early performances began to answer those doubts.
Ready to make his mark in Blue.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 11, 2024
Welcome to Chelsea, Pedro Neto! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/XdJvsrdlH5
Overcoming Injury Concerns
Neto’s time at Wolves was marked by undeniable talent but also persistent injuries, including ankle, knee, and hamstring issues that limited him to just 51 Premier League appearances over three seasons. Chelsea’s £60m investment (plus potential €3m add-ons) was seen as a gamble, especially given their experience with injury-prone players like Wesley Fofana.
However, Neto has worked diligently to address these concerns. In an interview with Chelsea’s CFC Unlocked series, he highlighted the role of a dedicated physiotherapist in maintaining his fitness: “I had to take care of myself more. I got a physio who is with me all the time and has been helping me a lot during the season.” This focus paid off, as he played over 50 games across all competitions in his first season, a significant milestone after years of limited game time.
His physical management was further supported by Chelsea and Portugal’s medical teams. In November 2024, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez allowed Neto to withdraw early from international duty after a goal-scoring performance against Poland, ensuring he returned to Chelsea without risking further injury ahead of a Premier League clash with Leicester City.
🚨 Pedro Neto already knows Reece James – a friendship formed through social media as they shared recovery ideas. [Chelsea FC] pic.twitter.com/Giic9oGWRo
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 12, 2024
On-Field Contributions
Neto’s first season at Chelsea has been a story of steady progress. Operating primarily as a left-footed winger on the right but capable of playing on either flank, he brought a dynamic edge to Chelsea’s attack. His stats from the 2023/24 season at Wolves—nine Premier League assists and three goals—hinted at his potential, and he carried that form into his Chelsea tenure.
By May 2025, Neto had registered 10 goals and assists in 24 Premier League starts, including a crucial assist in a win against Nottingham Forest that helped secure Champions League qualification. Fans and analysts praised his work rate and creativity, with posts on X noting his 10+ goal contributions and third-highest chance creation in the squad. A standout performance against Southampton on February 25, 2025, saw him score, assist, and complete 96% of his passes in 67 minutes, showcasing his growing influence.
Neto’s versatility also shone in the Club World Cup, where he scored in multiple matches, including against LAFC and Benfica. His performances were described as “eye-catching,” cementing his place in Maresca’s plans. A clever cross to Joao Pedro in a 2-0 win further highlighted his ability to link up with teammates.
Adapting to a New Role
One of the challenges Neto faced was adapting to Chelsea’s high-pressing, possession-based system under Maresca, a contrast to Wolves’ counter-attacking style. He noted this shift in an interview: “Football is about momentum… I want to improve on the pitch as well.” His positional flexibility—playing both wide and centrally—has been a boon, with some suggesting a central forward role could unlock even more potential. A post on X from February 2025 highlighted how moving him centrally made him “more threatening” and boosted his goal and assist output.
Neto’s mentality has been a key factor. Reflecting on his mental preparation after arriving at Chelsea post-injury, he said, “I had to be strong mentally because I came here and said to myself straight away that I had to take time.” This resilience has helped him navigate competition from Chelsea’s crowded attacking roster.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Off the field, Neto has embraced Chelsea’s culture, describing the club as “home” due to the support from staff and fans. His emotional tribute to former Wolves teammate Diogo Jota after the Club World Cup win showcased his character, earning praise for its class. His grounded nature, supported by his family, has kept him focused amid the pressures of a big-money move.
Looking Ahead
As Neto marks his one-year anniversary at Chelsea, his first season has been a promising foundation. While he acknowledges he “can do better,” his 10+ goal contributions, improved fitness, and versatility have silenced many doubters. With Maresca’s system evolving and new signings like Joao Pedro adding firepower, Neto’s role could expand further, potentially as a central figure in Chelsea’s attack.
Chelsea’s gamble on Neto is paying dividends, and as he continues to build momentum, the Portuguese winger’s best may indeed be yet to come.
