Chelsea swoop in for João Pedro with a £50m+ deal, edging out Newcastle and boosting the attack
Chelsea have agreed a shock deal to sign João Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee reported to be in excess of £50 million, according to The Athletic. The move has materialised with surprising speed, with reports suggesting the Brazil international is already en route to the United States for his medical.
The 23-year-old forward had attracted interest from Newcastle United, but Chelsea’s rapid intervention appears to have swung the transfer in their favour. Just 24 hours earlier, Brighton had rejected a similar bid from the Blues, leading many to believe it was part of a negotiation tactic aimed at Newcastle. But as it turns out, Chelsea weren’t bluffing — and now seem to have landed their man.
João Pedro’s departure comes just one year after he arrived at Brighton from Watford for around £30 million. His performances in the Premier League — full of trickery, sharp movement, and a strong goal return — quickly made him a key figure for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Now, he looks set to become a vital piece in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea rebuild.
Pedro will be Chelsea’s second signing in as many days, after they reportedly secured a deal for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. Like Gittens, Pedro is expected to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, part of the club’s continued strategy to lock down young talent on long-term deals.
The Brazilian is currently heading to the United States, where Chelsea is participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, to undergo his medical and begin integrating with the squad.
While Newcastle were said to be highly interested in João Pedro — and potentially more advanced in discussions earlier this month — Chelsea’s offer and sales pitch appear to have turned the tide decisively.
Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment this summer is a clear signal of their intent to return to elite competition both domestically and in Europe. The signing of João Pedro adds another dynamic forward to a squad that already features Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Cole Palmer. His versatility across the front line will offer tactical flexibility for new head coach Maresca, who is tasked with reviving Chelsea’s attacking fortunes after a turbulent few seasons.
The move also marks a bitter blow for Brighton, who have once again lost a prized asset to a Premier League rival. The Seagulls have become known for their impressive player development and sales model, but the frequency with which their top players are poached continues to frustrate fans.
Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters will welcome João Pedro’s flair, Premier League experience, and youth. Despite the hefty price tag, the club appears to be backing its long-term vision under Maresca, investing in young, coachable talent over short-term fixes.
While the deal is yet to be officially announced by either club, all signs suggest the transfer is imminent, pending the completion of medical checks and final paperwork.
As the Blues continue their campaign at the Club World Cup, fans may not have to wait long to see their newest signing in action — a swift integration that would mark the beginning of a new chapter for both player and club.
