‘Joao Pedro set for Club World Cup debut as Chelsea raid Brighton again’
Chelsea fans could watch Joao Pedro in action much sooner than anticipated as Enzo Maresca’s side continue their journey in the Club World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been a long-term target for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, though Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Blues could hijack a deal for Pedro ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Maresca’s side have agreed a deal with Brighton for a deal worth over £50million, signing the Brazilian on a contract until 2032 ahead of the Magpies.
It is understood that, with personal terms in place, medical checks are being arranged, set to join Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Delap, Andrey Santos, and Dario Essugo have all been handed their debuts over in America this summer, and the centre-forward looks set to join that growing list as the Blues progress to the quarter-finals.
Chelsea to add Joao Pedro to Club World Cup squad
Taking to X (29 June), Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol wrote: “Joao Pedro will fly to the US and join Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad. The mid-tournament registration period is open until Thursday.
“So, if a deal is completed, he could feature against Palmeiras on Friday in the quarter-finals, with Chelsea paying Brighton more than £50million, signing a seven-year contract.”
Adding onto his original update, Solhekol wrote on X (29 June): “Joao Pedro is flying now from Brazil to the US to have medical and join the Chelsea squad here at the Club World Cup.
“The deal is worth up to £60m, and Brighton have a sell-on clause. The player has been given permission to travel to the US by Brighton.”
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Nicolas Jackson’s future under threat at Stamford Bridge
Football Insider verdict
While Football Insider understands that Nicolas Jackson remains a key figure in Chelsea’s plans, supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the striker’s antics on the pitch.
The Senegalese international received his second red card in just four appearances against Flamengo earlier in the Club World Cup, leading the Blues to a 3-1 defeat against the Brazilian side.
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett even told Maresca to send the player home following his reckless challenge, leaving many fans ready to cash in on the forward.
With Delap and Pedro now set to be in the squad ahead of next season, it is unknown exactly how Jackson fits into the starting lineup, or if he fits into it at all moving forward.
Although he bagged 13 goals and six assists across all competitions last term, the Blues need more firepower in the final third, which is exactly why they’re splashing the cash this summer.
Liverpool have Mohamed Salah, Man City have Erling Haaland, Arsenal have Bukayo Saka. With Cole Palmer’s form fluctuating in recent weeks, who at Stamford Bridge is ready to step up?