Joao Pedro signs new Chelsea deal: Romano confirms huge agreement

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Joao Pedro has signed a new contract with Chelsea in what is a huge boost for Xabi Alonso’s side, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Brazil international striker has agreed a contract with the Blues that runs until 2032 but also includes an option to extend this agreement.

It underlines Chelsea’s belief that Joao Pedro is a key figure in their project going forward having shone since making a €63.7 million (£55m) move from Brighton little more than a year ago.

Current ETV

João Pedro

F, AM (C)

Chelsea

João Pedro

F, AM (C)

Chelsea

€63.1M

ETV Range

€56.8M - €69.5M

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Joao Pedro was previously contracted to Chelsea until 2032, but while this new deal does not mark an automatic extension to his stay at Stamford Bridge, Romano claims that the forward will receive a salary rise compared to his previous deal.

All the paperwork for the move has been agreed, the transfer insider confirmed via an update on X.

Earlier this summer, Joao Pedro was linked with a €100m move to Barcelona, though Chelsea held firm and were insistent that they would not allow the striker to depart.

His new deal, therefore, finally puts a definitive end to any thoughts that he may leave in the near future.

Joao Pedro ‘hungry’ for more – Xabi Alonso

Joao Pedro scored 15 goals for the Blues in the Premier League last season plus another three in the Champions League, distinguishing himself in what was a difficult campaign otherwise at Stamford Bridge. He was named as the club’s Player of the Season by fans.

Alonso has already spoken highly of the 24-year-old striker, who surprisingly missed out on Brazil’s World Cup squad, giving him extra motivation for the campaign to come.

“He's very hungry – Joao is really, really determined to have a great season,” Chelsea’s new manager confirmed.

“He wants to – after a great last year, where he scored many goals – I think that he wants to keep scoring more and more. But we need to help him, as on his own it's not possible.

“He will have the players around him and they need to have this hunger to score as well. It's not just about the striker, but every time that we win and our striker scores, I am happy.”

His pre-season form has been highly encouraging. He came off the bench in a friendly with Western Sydney Wanderers to score a hat-trick in 27 minutes after team-mate Liam Delap had previously laboured, while he also bagged doubles in his most recent appearances against AC Milan and Real Sociedad.

With seven goals in five appearances, his new contract will give him further impetus to get off to a flying start as the Blues take on Fulham in their Premier League opener next Monday.