Chelsea have confirmed 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 flew to the United States on Sunday—where Chelsea are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup—after agreeing personal terms on an eight-year contract. Following a successful medical, Pedro has now been registered in time to feature in Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.
FIFA’s deadline for squad registration for the tournament’s knockout stage is July 3.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro said after the move was announced. “They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join. When you are a Chelsea player, you must think one thing – win.”
Pedro joined Brighton from Watford for £30 million two years ago and impressed during his time at the Amex Stadium, scoring 30 goals in 70 appearances. He has also earned three senior caps for Brazil.
His stint at Brighton ended on a sour note after being dropped for the final two games of last season due to a training ground incident involving teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Pedro becomes the fourth player to make the switch from Brighton to Chelsea in recent years, following the arrivals of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for a return to Champions League football next season. The Blues have already signed striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. They have also secured a future deal for Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian, who will join from Palmeiras after his Club World Cup campaign.
Additionally, Chelsea are reportedly close to finalizing a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million).