Chelsea signs Joao Pedro from Brighton ahead of FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals against Palmeiras

Chelsea has confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Premier League rival Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old forward has penned a long-term deal with the Blues that runs through to 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of our FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.

A product of Brazilian giants Fluminense, Pedro first emerged as a teenager with flair and a natural eye for goal. He netted 10 times in 36 games for the Rio club before making the leap to English football.

His journey continued at Watford, where he impressed across four seasons with 109 appearances, 24 goals.

In 2023, he signed for Brighton and scored on his debut and went on to deliver a standout campaign with 19 goals in all competitions, finishing as the Seagulls’ joint-top scorer.