Chelsea are on the verge of signing an extremely versatile individual in the form of Joao Pedro.
Like many players in the Chelsea squad, Brighton attacker Joao Pedro, 23, can cover multiple forward positions.
Chelsea have edged out Newcastle United to sign Pedro, who’s expected to join up with the team at the Club World Cup after the transfer is formally announced and completed.
He is about to follow in the footsteps of players such as Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella in leaving the Amex Stadium to move to Stamford Bridge.
Where Chelsea plan to use Joao Pedro
Once Pedro officially joins Chelsea, the attention will turn towards how he breaks into a competitive starting XI.
Journalist Simon Phillips reports via Substack that the Blues view the incoming signing as an option more for the striker position as well as on the left and filling in deeper roles as well, depending on the opposition and injuries.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca massively rates Pedro, largely because of his versatility to play anywhere across the attack.
The South American star has proven at Brighton he can operate as a No.9, No.10 or as a winger.
It’s interesting to hear that he could provide immediate competition in the striker position for Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson. In the space of a month, Jackson will go from zero competition for a starting role to a major fight for minutes, which is how it should be.
Joao Pedro improves the Chelsea squad
Chelsea believe Pedro is better than Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, so through their eyes they are about to make an upgrade to their squad.
Unlike a lot of Blues signings in recent transfer windows, Pedro will join with some Premier League experience on his CV.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Brighton | 58 | 19 | 9 |
| Watford | 31 | 3 | 1 |
It’s quite obvious that he’s still very much a work in progress with room to improve. However, we like the thought of him operating as a left-winger and trying to strike up a relationship with Delap.
When Pedro is fit and firing, he’s got the potential to make a real difference to the Chelsea group.
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