Chelsea Complete £60m Signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton

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Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($79 million), marking their latest major acquisition in the summer transfer window.

Pedro, 23, flew to the United States on Sunday—where Chelsea are competing in the FIFA Club World Cup—after agreeing terms on an eight-year contract. Following the successful completion of his medical, he is now eligible to feature for Enzo Maresca’s side in their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.

FIFA has allowed clubs participating in the Club World Cup knockout stages until July 3 to register new players, paving the way for Pedro’s immediate involvement.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Pedro said after sealing the move.

“They’ve had brilliant players in the past and still have brilliant players now. I’m excited to join, and when you play for Chelsea, there’s only one goal—win.”

Pedro arrives at Stamford Bridge two years after joining Brighton from Watford for £30 million. He scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls and has been capped three times by the Brazilian national team.

His time at Brighton ended on a controversial note, as he missed the final two matches of last season following a training ground altercation with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Pedro becomes the fourth Brighton player to move to Chelsea in recent years, following the arrivals of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea, back in the Champions League next season, have been busy in the transfer market. The club has already added striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr. Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, 18, is also set to join the Blues after completing his Club World Cup duties with Palmeiras.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with a deal worth up to €65 million ($76 million) agreed over the weekend.

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