Report: Chelsea win race for Joao Pedro after January groundwork | OneFootball

Chelsea’s early planning pays off

Chelsea’s capture of Joao Pedro from Brighton marks a significant win in their summer transfer strategy, especially with Champions League football on the horizon and a disrupted pre-season due to their Club World Cup involvement. While other clubs may still be weighing options, Chelsea were proactive, targeting players for early acquisition and ensuring new signings could integrate swiftly.

The decision to pursue Pedro had been months in the making. Although not publicly known, he was first identified as a priority target in January. Brighton were cooperative in negotiations and content with the outcome, accepting a deal valued at more than £50 million, including add-ons and a sell-on clause. For a player purchased from Watford for £30 million two years ago, it was considered a strong piece of business.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, were left disappointed. They had also earmarked Pedro as a primary summer target, viewing him as an ideal long-term replacement for Callum Wilson, who is now a free agent.

Chelsea’s staff, though, felt vindicated in their strategy. “A valuable addition has been made to head coach Enzo Maresca’s toolkit,” one insider told The Athletic.

Joao Pedro fits Chelsea’s evolving profile

Pedro’s versatility appealed to Chelsea. The 23-year-old played multiple roles for Brighton last season, including striker, false nine, No 10 and winger, scoring ten Premier League goals. Standing at 6ft tall, his physicality adds another dimension to a youthful squad still in transition under Maresca.

Chelsea’s recruitment philosophy continues to centre around signing players under 25 with significant potential. Concerns about Pedro’s temperament, particularly an incident with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke in May and a three-game suspension, were managed internally. According to The Athletic, the club relied heavily on Sam Jewell, now Chelsea’s director of global recruitment, who was instrumental in signing Pedro at Brighton. His familiarity with the player’s character helped ease doubts.

It was Jewell’s insight, combined with direct involvement from Maresca and Chelsea’s senior recruitment team, that helped close the deal. Conversations with Brighton CEO Paul Barber were handled informally, rather than via formalised bid processes. The deal was finalised after a series of verbal negotiations and strategic contact.

Pedro travelled from Brazil to Chelsea’s Club World Cup base in Miami for a medical and was officially announced on Wednesday. He had spoken to Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and former defender David Luiz before making his decision.

“I talked with Andrey on Instagram and asked about the guys and the club,” Pedro said. “He said good things about the team, so it was good to join. When you join a club and you know one of the players, it is easier. I’m a little bit close to David Luiz. I spoke to him, not about Chelsea, but about my career and how I could develop better. He helped me.”

Newcastle left frustrated after slow approach

Newcastle’s pursuit of Pedro was detailed and longstanding. The Magpies first tried to sign him in 2022 from Watford but eventually opted for Alexander Isak. Pedro later admitted to Globo Esporte that he was “upset” the move failed.

This summer, they believed they had a strong chance, especially with both clubs offering Champions League football. However, one Newcastle source admitted the deal “never quite felt right.” It became apparent that Pedro preferred to stay in London, where he was more settled.

While Newcastle were first to submit a formal bid, it fell short of Brighton’s £60 million valuation. Chelsea, fully aware of Pedro’s location preference and ambitions, moved swiftly. Their offer was also rejected initially, but ongoing discussions helped bridge the gap.

Maresca’s conversation with Pedro mirrored his approach last year, when he had private talks with Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix before their respective loans were finalised.

Sources suggest Chelsea’s preparation, and perhaps Newcastle’s hesitation, proved decisive. One Newcastle insider speculated that had they acted earlier in June, they might have sealed the deal. But those close to Chelsea reject that suggestion, pointing out they had been quietly preparing the move since January.

Photo: IMAGO

Champions League ambitions aligned with personal goals

Pedro’s decision was also fuelled by personal ambition. The Brazilian is eager to make his senior national team debut at the 2026 World Cup and saw Chelsea as a better platform to showcase his ability consistently.

Although Newcastle had Isak established up front, their plan was to have Pedro rotate or even partner him. At Chelsea, he may face competition from Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, who joined for £30 million, but there is a feeling that Maresca will give him significant responsibility in a flexible frontline.

Pedro has been registered for the Club World Cup and could make his debut as early as this weekend, when Chelsea face Palmeiras in the quarter-final.

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For Chelsea fans, this deal feels like a smart continuation of a long-term recruitment vision that has sometimes lacked cohesion in previous windows. Joao Pedro represents both an immediate attacking option and a long-term investment, aligning with the club’s commitment to signing high-potential players under 25.

The influence of Sam Jewell cannot be underestimated. His previous role in Pedro’s career gives Chelsea a level of insider knowledge and comfort that other clubs simply didn’t have. That kind of personal connection can be the difference in high-stakes deals.

Some supporters might raise eyebrows at the reported disciplinary issues, but Chelsea’s belief in Pedro’s potential and their internal due diligence should calm any fears. If anything, it reflects the club’s growing confidence in their recruitment process.

While Newcastle fans may feel hard done by, especially given their early bid, Chelsea’s ability to move decisively was key. The suggestion that Pedro wanted to remain in London gave the Blues an edge, but it was their persistence and planning that got it done.

This isn’t a marquee signing by name, but it might prove to be one in impact. Joao Pedro has the tools to become a vital part of Enzo Maresca’s setup and could be a breakout star for Chelsea in Europe this season.