Chelsea Complete Signing Of Brazilian Striker Joao Pedro From Brighton

Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($79 million), the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Pedro flew to the United States on Sunday—where Chelsea are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup—after agreeing to terms on an eight-year contract.

With the transfer now finalized following a successful medical, the 23-year-old forward is eligible to feature for Enzo Maresca’s side in their Club World Cup quarterfinal clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

FIFA regulations allow clubs participating in the Club World Cup knockout stage to register new players up until July 3.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” 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.”

Pedro joined Brighton from Watford two years ago for £30 million and made a significant impact, scoring 30 goals in 70 appearances. He has also earned three caps for the Brazilian national team.

His time at Brighton ended on a controversial note after he was dropped for the final two games of the season following a training ground incident with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Pedro becomes the fourth Brighton player to move to Chelsea in recent years, following the arrivals of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.

Since the end of last season, Chelsea—who have secured a place in next season’s Champions League—have also signed striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr.

Rising Brazilian talent Estevao Willian, 18, is also set to join the Blues after completing his Club World Cup campaign with Palmeiras.

In addition, Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens could soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with a deal reportedly worth up to €65 million ($76 million) agreed last Saturday.

— AFP