Chelsea have continued their summer rebuild by completing the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton.
It’s been confirmed on Wednesday that Joao Pedro has joined Chelsea, penning an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old attacker has become the newest Brazilian to join the Blues squad.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is a big admirer of Pedro, especially because of his versatility. The forward can operate as a No 10, No 9 or a winger, so it looks like he could be a really smart addition in West London.
- READ MORE: Joao Pedro names the Chelsea player who helped persuade him to join over Newcastle United
Fabian Hurzeler reacts to Brighton selling Joao Pedro to Chelsea
Fabian Hurzeler, the Brighton manager, has delivered an interesting reaction to his club selling Pedro.
The Premier League boss has explained that the transfer is a positive one for all parties involved, suggesting it should help the player fulfil his ambition of representing Brazil at next year’s World Cup.
When reacting to Pedro’s transfer move, Hurzeler said via Brighton’s official website: “This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.
“It’s also an exciting move for Joao: it gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team ahead of the World Cup next summer.
“Joao has given us some wonderful moments – during my time and before I came to the club – so on behalf of everyone I would like to thank him for his service over the past two seasons and wish him the best for the future.”
Chelsea have splashed out £60m (BBC Sport) to bring Pedro to the club, where the pressure on his shoulders is immediately going to increase compared to Brighton.
Ben Foster expects Chelsea supporters to love Pedro from day one because of his excellent work rate. Will that be enough to help him force his way into the starting line-up, though?
Chelsea’s potential new-look attack, which includes both Pedro and Liam Delap, certainly looks tasty on paper.
Joao Pedro a fresh option for the Club World Cup
Chelsea have completed Pedro in time to give him a debut this weekend in the Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras. While we would be surprised to see him start during his first week with the club, perhaps he could be a useful option off the bench.
It’s been confirmed by the club that he’s joined the squad immediately ahead of the Palmeiras showdown on Saturday.
According to Opta’s Supercomputer, Chelsea are now favourites to win the Club World Cup after their half of the draw opened up.
The introduction of Pedro into the squad gives Maresca another attacking option to call upon in this summer tournament.
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