Chelsea and Brighton lock horns this weekend at Stamford Bridge, which is a fixture that has become extra intriguing in recent years due to the transfer activity between the top-flight clubs.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues side host Brighton on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.
Remarkably, four of Chelsea’s starting line-up against the Seagulls used to play at the Amex Stadium.
Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo all left the South Coast to play in London across recent years. This summer, Joao Pedro made the same direct switch as well.
Chelsea paid £60m to sign Brazilian attacker Pedro from Brighton, something which looks like a great piece of transfer business.
Pedro expected to join Chelsea for ages and he’s certainly made a very smooth transition at his new club. Prior to the Brighton fixture, he scored five goals and provided three assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
- READ MORE: Brighton boss has already revealed key to maximising Joao Pedro’s talent ahead of Chelsea clash
Happy reunion for Joao Pedro with Brighton
Journalist Nizaar Kinsella has reported that Chelsea’s Pedro received a warm embrace from Brighton’s players and staff before kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Even if he doesn’t receive a kind reception from the travelling supporters, Pedro is still popular in the Brighton camp after two impressive seasons with them.
Kinsella said via BBC Sport (2:46pm, 27 September): “Chelsea striker Joao Pedro is facing his former team having left Brighton in a £55m summer move.
“The Brazil international came out onto the pitch before kick-off and was greeted with handshakes and hugs from many Brighton players and staff.
“Joao Pedro is already a key player for Chelsea and returns having had just one training session after picking up a minor injury at Manchester United last weekend.”
At Brighton, Pedro scored 30 goals in 70 appearances across all competitions. We’re optimistic that his individual attacking numbers will only shoot up over time in a stronger Chelsea outfit.
Chelsea have been told to use Pedro as a number 9, which is where he’s spending the bulk of the season so far. With Liam Delap sidelined because of a hamstring injury, the responsibility falls on Pedro to lead the line.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Brazilian players across the globe have that extra incentive to book their spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s international squad, so Chelsea can reap the benefit of that with their South American contingent, Pedro, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos.
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