According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle United have been vying for Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window. However, despite the Tyneside outfit’s best efforts, the Brighton & Hove Albion attacker has picked Stamford Bridge as his next destination. The two Premier League clubs have struck an agreement over a deal worth over £50 million.
The South American attacker has agreed to sign a seven-year contract that will run until June 2032. Reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided further clarity on the situation, revealing that Pedro will complete his medical in Brazil before travelling to the USA on Tuesday for the latter stages of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Joao Pedro has made considerable progress since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Watford in July 2023. The 23-year-old has been a standout performer for the Seagulls in the last two years despite his fitness issues in both seasons. He contributed to 17 goals in only 2,136 minutes of game time across 30 outings in all competitions by finding the back of the net ten times and providing seven assists.
However, Pedro’s future at Brighton & Hove Albion has been uncertain since his bust-up with Jan Paul van Hecke in the final weeks of the 2024/25 season. The situation piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, with Chelsea and Newcastle United among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s interest in Joao Pedro is perplexing. Considering the Brighton & Hove Albion attacker primarily plays through the middle, it is unclear how he will fit into the scheme of things. However, the move is not surprising, considering Chelsea’s hoarding policy. The Blues have now struck an agreement to sign the player from Brighton for a deal worth over £50 million.
As for Newcastle United, Pedro was the ideal candidate to replace Callum Wilson. In addition, he could have been the perfect foil for Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak. However, Newcastle United failed with a bid to sign the Ribeirão Preto native last week, and they did not stand a chance due to his desire to join Chelsea.
The 23-year-old Brazilian international will sign a seven-year contract when he joins Chelsea. Meanwhile, Pedro will complete his medical in Brazil before travelling to the USA on Tuesday for the latter stages of the FIFA Club World Cup.
