Chelsea Football Club have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($79 million).
The 23-year-old striker travelled to the United States on Sunday to join up with Chelsea’s squad currently participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, after agreeing personal terms on an eight-year contract.
His medical has now been successfully completed, making him eligible to feature in the Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.
FIFA regulations allow participating clubs to register new players for the knockout phase of the tournament up until July 3.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro said after the move was confirmed.
“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join.
You know when you are a Chelsea player, you must think one thing – win.”
Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 for £30 million, scoring 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls.
He has also earned three caps for the Brazilian national team.
However, he missed Brighton’s final two matches last season following a reported training ground dispute with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Pedro becomes the fourth player Chelsea have signed from Brighton in recent years, following the arrivals of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.
The Blues, who secured a return to the UEFA Champions League next season, have already made significant moves in the transfer market, acquiring striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr.
Highly-rated Estevao Willian, 18, is also expected to join Chelsea following his Club World Cup campaign with Palmeiras.
In addition, Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, 20, is reportedly close to joining the West London club, with a deal valued at up to €65 million ($76 million) said to have been agreed last weekend.