There has been a lot of positive noise around Joao Pedro’s imminent arrival at Chelsea, but Darren Bent isn’t completely sold on the idea.
Brighton attacker Joao Pedro, 23, is widely tipped in the transfer rumour mill to be on his way to Chelsea.
Reports claim that Pedro has completed his medical and will sign a Blues contract on Tuesday ahead of a £55m transfer switch.
The Brazilian forward, who can play as a No.9, No.10 or a winger, will become the latest attacking option at Stamford Bridge. Like most of the signings under the Blues ownership, he’s a young rising talent with lots of potential.
Ally McCoist expects Pedro to improve Chelsea with his talent, but let’s wait and see how he handles the step up.
Darren Bent as a pundit for ITV Sport during the FA Cup.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Darren Bent isn’t convinced Joao Pedro makes Chelsea stronger
Darren Bent, the talkSPORT pundit, has delivered an interesting verdict on Pedro’s expected move to Chelsea.
While he does rate the 23-year-old attacker, his concern is that he may not actually improve the Blues enough to take them to another level.
Bent told talkSPORT: “I like Joao Pedro. He was a lot better last season (2023/24 campaign)… He was better then, 40 games played, 20 goals… He looked very, very good. I’m not quite sure if he takes Chelsea to the next level. I think he’s a 10 off the left. He can play striker. He’s a very intelligent footballer, and I do like him.
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“Does he make Chelsea a lot stronger? I would say no. But he’s a good player. He’s just another good player they’ve added to their squad.”
Pedro’s big-game record at Brighton should excite Chelsea supporters because he’s got a knack of turning up in crunch moments. Can he do that with the extra pressure in West London, though?
It’s fair to suggest he deserves a crack at one of the Premier League’s big clubs because of his upward trajectory, but only time will tell if it’s a sensible transfer.
Joao Pedro celebrates scoring during Brighton vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea adding two natural competitors
It’s clear that the Blues are bringing to the club two individuals that play with huge aggression and personality on the football pitch.
Pedro, along with summer signing Liam Delap, bring with them to Chelsea the type of character that will instantly earn them the affection of supporters.
There are question marks about both regarding whether they can be permanent starters and elevate the club to the next level. However, they’re going to make Enzo Maresca’s side a real handful and nightmare for opposition teams to play against.