Chelsea completed the signing of Joao Pedro last week, who also had interest from Newcastle United, and Alan Shearer has praised the move
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been offered advice following the club's transfer activity
(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has unexpectedly praised Chelsea for bolstering their squad through the signing of Joao Pedro. The Stamford Bridge outfit sealed a £55million transfer for the Brazilian striker last week, who also attracted interest from Newcastle United.
Pedro made his first appearance for Chelsea coming off the bench in the second half against Palmeiras, contributing to a 2-1 victory that propelled Enzo Maresca's team into the Club World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old took the place of fellow new signing Liam Delap up front, suggesting that Pedro is set to play a significant role for Chelsea.
The Blues have been busy in the summer transfer window and have signed Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens since the Pedro deal was confirmed. Despite the club often facing criticism for the number of players on their books, Shearer praised Chelsea's decision to bring in Pedro and warned that Maresca may need to work with more players than last season.
"I think that's another clever signing from Chelsea," Shearer said about Pedro on the Rest is Football podcast. "I think he's a really good player Joao Pedro. I mean, he had one or two issues at Brighton, but I think that's a clever signing.
"And with them going to be fighting on so many fronts next season, they can't have enough players. I know they've got a lot anyway. They're going to have to offload some; they're going to have to sell."
Gary Lineker pointed out that Chelsea will be missing the suspended Delap and Levi Colwill for the upcoming semi-final tie against Fluminense on Tuesday. Additionally, Reece James could miss the match due to injury.
However, Shearer indicated that Chelsea's extensive squad leaves little room for excuses. "They're never going to get any sympathy from anyone about having suspension or injuries, are they?" he quipped.
Alan Shearer working as a pundit
Alan Shearer has praised Chelsea's transfer business
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Chelsea have been active in the summer transfer window, securing the services of Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr as well as Delap, Pedro and Gittens. The club's squad size was a hot topic at the beginning of Maresca's tenure last summer, with the manager acknowledging his cutthroat approach to trimming down the numbers.
“I am not working with 42 players. I am working with 21 players," Maresca explained last year. "The other 15-20 players are training apart. I don't see them.
“It's not a mess like it looks from the outside. Absolutely not. They can even have 20 years contract, it’s not my point. I don’t care.”
The Blues adeptly navigated the challenge of balancing their top-four Premier League finish with their Europa Conference League victory last term. Yet, having qualified for the Champions League and aspiring to compete in the Premier League and domestic cups, Maresca may need to rely on even more players.
Before the transfer window, Chelsea were deemed to be short of alternatives to Nicolas Jackson up front, an issue they've addressed with the acquisitions of Delap and Pedro. Pedro was swiftly thrown into the fray against Palmeiras, despite having been on holiday prior to finalising his move.
Joao Pedro on his Chelsea debut
Pedro was a 54th-minute substitute against Palmeiras
(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Post-match, Maresca explained his reasons: "Yes, since he arrived, the reason why we decided for him is because since he arrived, even if he was on holiday, he looks sharp, he looks good."
Competing on multiple fronts should provide ample opportunities for Delap, Jackson and Pedro to make their mark. Former Watford and Brighton star Pedro is keen to win trophies at his new club.
"I was one of the ones to watch Chelsea they had brilliant players in the past, have brilliant players now, it's a big club, I think that's why I chose to join Chelsea," Pedro said after signing for the club. "I grew up watching the Premier League, and Chelsea were a club that won trophies. So, when you join Chelsea, you can only think one thing: to win trophies. Every competition, you have to think, 'I play for Chelsea and that is my ambition.'"
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image