On Wednesday, Chelsea reportedly paid £60 million ($79 million) to Brighton for Brazil attacker Joao Pedro.
The conditions of Pedro’s eight-year contract were finalised on Sunday, and he took off for the United States, where Chelsea is participating in the Club World Cup.
After a physical, the transfer was confirmed, and Pedro is now available to play for Enzo Maresca’s team in their quarterfinal matchup with Palmeiras in the Club World Cup in Philadelphia.
“This is a big club with a great history, as everyone knows,” Pedro remarked.
“Everyone knows this is a huge club with a rich tradition,” Pedro remarked.
“They’ve had outstanding players before and still have top-quality players now, so I’m thrilled to become part of this team. When you play for Chelsea, there’s only one mindset – winning.”
Pedro, who moved to Brighton from Watford for £30 million two years ago, netted 30 goals in 70 matches for the Seagulls and has represented Brazil three times at the international level.
The 23-year-old missed Brighton’s last two games of the season after being sidelined following a training ground clash with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Pedro becomes the fourth player Chelsea have brought in from Brighton in recent seasons, following Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea, who have secured a spot in next season’s Champions League, have already invested in striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dario Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr since the close of the previous campaign.
Additionally, Brazilian talent Estevao Willian, 18, is set to join Chelsea after wrapping up the Club World Cup with Palmeiras.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens could soon be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with a deal reportedly worth up to €65 million ($76 million) agreed for the 20-year-old on Saturday.
