Liverpool face major transfer blow as Chelsea make £50m move For Brighton star | OneFootball

Chelsea and Liverpool Locked in Transfer Tug of War for Joao Pedro

Pedro’s Rise Sparks Premier League Frenzy

Joao Pedro’s journey from Watford to Brighton may soon enter its next phase, with Chelsea and Liverpool both circling the 23-year-old forward ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes summer transfer window. Brighton’s £30 million investment in 2023 is now set to deliver a major profit, after Pedro hit double figures for goals and added seven assists in just 30 appearances this season.

His electric form has turned heads at Stamford Bridge and Anfield alike. The Daily Mail report that Chelsea are ready to outbid Liverpool with an offer in excess of £50 million, potentially including a player in exchange to sweeten the deal. Chelsea’s management, under new boss Enzo Maresca, are keen to pair Pedro with Nicolas Jackson as they reshape their attack.

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Brighton Ready to Sell Star Man

Brighton have reportedly opened the door to Pedro’s exit. “Understand Joao Pedro can leave Brighton in the summer as he’s open to new chapter of his career,” wrote Fabrizio Romano, further stating that “Premier League top clubs [are] aware of the opportunity for potential transfer fee around €70m (£59m / $79m), but final decision up to Brighton. One to watch this summer.”

Chelsea are understood to have held talks with Brighton this week, with the Seagulls ready to let Pedro leave following a training ground incident involving team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke. The decision to banish Pedro from the first-team setup suggests the end may be near, with Brighton now cashing in on an asset whose stock has risen considerably.

Liverpool’s New Direction Under Slot

While Chelsea’s intent is clear, Liverpool are very much in the race. Sources told TEAMtalk that “Liverpool are serious about signing the striker as they hunt a replacement for Darwin Nunez.” New manager Arne Slot is reportedly losing patience with Nunez’s inconsistency and sees Pedro as a more clinical option. “Slot is fed up with Nunez missing chances and believes Pedro would be able to provide far more goals at Anfield.”

With Pedro’s Premier League experience and proven output, either club would be acquiring a forward already moulded to the intensity of English football. For Chelsea, it’s a step towards returning to top-four contention. For Liverpool, it’s a bid to reclaim firepower lost in their post-Klopp transition.

Battle Intensifies With Alternatives Lined Up

Should Chelsea fail to land Pedro, attention may shift to Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, whose future is uncertain following Manchester United’s fall out of European contention. For now, though, all eyes remain on Pedro as the Blues and the Reds prepare to test Brighton’s resolve.

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Excited Liverpool Fan Opinion

This is exactly the kind of intent we need to see from Arne Slot. Pedro fits our profile – young, hungry, proven in the Premier League and versatile across the front line. Nunez, for all his movement and chaos, just hasn’t delivered the end product. If Pedro can do what he did at Brighton in a side with better service and structure, he could easily hit 15–20 goals a season.

Yes, Chelsea are pushing hard, but let’s not forget that Liverpool have Champions League football on offer and a clear vision for the future under Slot. If we match the financials, there’s no reason Pedro wouldn’t choose Anfield. The idea of him linking with Salah (if he stays), Jota and Gakpo is mouth-watering.

And with Brighton reportedly open to selling after the fallout with Van Hecke, it’s the perfect time to strike. Hopefully, this won’t be another case of us hesitating and watching another talent join a rival. Let’s get it done. Pedro in red? Yes please.