Official: Chelsea sign João Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelsea woke up bright and early today, and took new signing João Pedro out to the beach in Miami to take some pictures for the official announcement of his signing. How scenic!

The 23-year-old Brazil international has thus completed his transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion in rather expeditious fashion, arriving in time to be registered for Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal against Palmeiras, even. He’s likely to make his debut then for his first minutes in his 8-year contract (eight!).

(Incidentally, should we advance, we could face his boyhood club, Fluminense in the semifinals.)

Chelsea have reportedly given Brighton a cool £55m to make this transfer happen, with a further £5m in potential add-ons and bonuses.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history. They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”

-João Pedro; source: Chelsea FC

Amen.

Welcome, João Pedro, let’s win some things!

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