Chelsea have completed the signing of Brighton forward Joao Pedro.
The 23-year-old has signed a long-term contract until 2032 and leaves the AMEX Stadium after a successful two-year spell.
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Pedro was linked with a switch to Newcastle but it is understood that the player only wanted to move to Stamford Bridge despite both clubs being able to guarantee Champions League football.
Chelsea are paying an initial £56m with an extra £4m in add-ons, bringing the total package to £60m.
After leaving Brighton, Pedro said: “I want to thank you all for the past 2 years we’ve been together, for all the support and great memories that we created, it was a pleasure and a privilege to work with this team.”
On joining Chelsea, he added: “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history.
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“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”
The former Watford star will be thrust straight into the thick of the action in the United States where he will join his new teammates at the Club World Cup,
The Brazilian’s versatility could be key next season with Blues’ boss Enzo Maresca looking to construct a more dynamic frontline.
Pedro joins compatriot Estevao Willian, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez as Chelsea’s first six summer recruits with Jamie Gittens’ arrival imminent.
The signing of Pedro signals the latest chapter in Chelsea’s ongoing raid on the south-coast club.
The Brazilian becomes the fourth player to leave Brighton for the west London club since 2022.
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Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo and Robert Sanchez all followed the same path while Blues’ defender Levi Colwill spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with the Seagulls.
The Blues also raided Brighton for former manager Graham Potter and his backroom team in 2021.
The Brazilian’s transfer sees Brighton recoup just shy of £300m in fees from Chelsea in just three years.
Pedro netted 20 goals in 40 games across all competitions during his first season at Brighton including six strikes in the club’s memorable Europa League campaign.
He was unable to reach similar heights last term but still managed to net ten goals in 30 outings.
His performances in the Premier League earned him a call-up to the senior Brazil squad and made his debut in the World Cup qualifier against Colombia in November 2023.
The forward has since earned two further caps but is yet to register a goal for the Selecao.
Pedro’s arrival at Chelsea could spark a fire sale of attacking talent deemed surplus to requirements.
It could spell the end of Nicolas Jackson’s time at Stamford Bridge, while Christopher Nkunku is also set to depart this summer alongside Raheem Sterling and Armando Broja who spent last season on loan at Everton.
