Chelsea have agreed a deal in excess of £50 million for João Pedro, according to David Ornstein.
João Pedro was set to join despite Newcastle United’s interest, as once again Chelsea can steam-roll negotiations on a financial basis.
More money from West London
The fee of transactions between the clubs now exceeds £250m, as Chelsea continue to raid Brighton for both players and staff. Pedro was an influential player for the Seagulls since signing from Watford in 2023.
Chelsea have signed multiple players from Brighton in recent seasons including Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo and Robert Sanchez, while Levi Colwill also spent the 2022-23 season on loan.
The Brazillian international became Albion’s record signing and contributed to not only a hatful of goals but significant moments.
We will never forget moments like Marseille at home, Manchester United, even becoming the club’s first-ever goalscorer in Europe.
However, despite it all, things just had to end on a sour note. From bust-up moments in training to red cards on the pitch. João Pedro’s time at the club was over from the moment it all kicked off.
It is quite sad really, as player departures in recent years tend to carry a similar trend, but Albion look to utilise the money elsewhere amidst links for players like Harvey Elliott, who could be set to leave Liverpool.
How do fans feel about it?
Despite the incredible moments, it is impossible to overlook the move. Many Brighton fans will feel a certain animosity towards Chelsea’s dealings with Brighton over recent years. Taking entire business practices is very difficult to overlook, while some are also satisfied with the level of income the transactions have proved to generate.
Whilst this will be tough, Brighton have now extra money in the kitty to build upon. Players like Stefanos Tzimas, and Charalampos Kostoulas will join Danny Welbeck. Of course, before any further transfer dealings take place this summer.
Evan Ferguson is expected to leave this window.
It wouldn’t be surprising to hear a wave of boos, in line with Cucurella, Sanchez, Caicedo, and the rest of them, for Pedro. He knows the ‘rivalry’ and fans’ feelings towards a move of this magnitude.
In all honesty, I am not sure where to sit. Memories cannot erase the incredible impact over the years, and the endless goals moments will never be forgotten. From Europe to Brentford away, thank you for everything João. But the disappointment that you have stained over the last few months also sits.
Time will tell, but Brighton cash in once again.
