Report: Chelsea agree £50m deal for Brighton Star Forward | OneFootball

Joao Pedro to Join Chelsea in £50m Deal from Brighton

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton to sign forward Joao Pedro in a deal valued at over £50 million, as the club continues its aggressive summer recruitment strategy.

The 23-year-old Brazilian is expected to sign a seven-year contract with the west London side, with a medical now being scheduled. The forward becomes the second significant attacking addition in June, following the £30 million arrival of Liam Delap from Manchester City.

Major statement from Chelsea as attack reshaped

The acquisition of Joao Pedro marks another key piece in Chelsea’s puzzle as they look to revitalise their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The former Watford man delivered a strong showing for Brighton last season, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in just 27 Premier League appearances.

Pedro’s season was, however, not without incident. He missed three of Brighton’s final five matches after being sent off for violent conduct in a 4-2 defeat at Brentford – a moment of indiscipline that brought his campaign to a premature end.

Still, his output and versatility have clearly made an impression. Chelsea view him as a dynamic attacker capable of operating across the front line, offering pace, creativity, and finishing ability.

Club World Cup debut on the horizon

Currently in the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea reached the quarter-finals following a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica. The Blues are now hoping to finalise the Pedro transfer in time to register him for the tournament.

If the paperwork is completed by Thursday 3 July, Pedro could be in line for a debut against Palmeiras just 24 hours later. This move is possible under tournament regulations, which allow teams to add up to two new players to their squads during the event window.

A tournament statement clarified:“During the period from 27 June to 3 July 2025, clubs may replace players whose contracts have naturally expired during the competition. During that period, clubs may also add up to two new players, who will not count towards the maximum of 35 players on the final list.”

Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, will return from suspension for the Palmeiras clash, having missed both the final group stage game and the last-16 tie due to a red card received against Flamengo.

Jamie Gittens talks ongoing

Pedro may not be the only arrival at Stamford Bridge before the week is out. Talks continue between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund regarding a move for winger Jamie Gittens. While there is no agreement yet, sources close to both clubs suggest the deal is progressing and could be completed imminently.

Such moves reflect Chelsea’s clear intent to reshape the squad with young, dynamic talent under the current footballing structure, aimed at building a core of players capable of growing together.

As Chelsea prepare for the next phase of the Club World Cup and the start of their domestic season, Pedro’s imminent arrival adds further quality to a frontline that looks increasingly equipped to challenge on multiple fronts.