Chelsea have announced the signing of Brazil international Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old forward has penned a long-term deal with the Blues that runs through to 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in the early hours of Saturday morning South African time.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Joao Pedro said.

“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I’m excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”

Joao Pedro is a product of Brazilian giants Fluminense.

His journey continued at Watford, where he impressed across four seasons with 109 appearances, 24 goals, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband during the 2022/23 campaign — all before turning 22.

In 2023, Joao Pedro signed for Brighton and made an instant impact. He scored on his debut and went on to deliver a standout campaign with 19 goals in all competitions, finishing as the Seagulls’ joint-top scorer.

A versatile forward, Joao brings top-flight experience having also represented Brazil on the international stage with three caps, the most recent coming in a 2–1 win over Colombia.