Joao Pedro has been at the centre of attention since the summer transfer window opened up.
Several clubs wanted to acquire his services, with Liverpool among those who were linked with an interest.
In the end, however, it was Chelsea who fronted the money for the Brazilian, and so far, the move seems to have paid off as he bagged both of Chelsea’s goals in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense on Tuesday.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea FC acknowledges the crowd following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between SE Palmeiras and Chelsea FC
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Pedro is one of many transfers that Chelsea are expected to make this summer, with Enzo Maresca’s full focus now turning towards the Club World Cup Final.
Joao Pedro names Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the toughest opponent he’s ever faced
In the build-up to the semi-final, Chelsea’s first-team squad were asked by FooteBateWill about who the toughest opponent they’ve ever faced was, with Pedro and Cristopher Nkunku both giving the same answer of “Van Dijk.”
The centre-back has been hailed as “complete” by Barcelona legend Carles Puyol and is often dubbed the best defender in the world.
The Dutchman’s future was under plenty of scrutiny throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but in the end, he put those rumours to bed and signed a two-year extension to his deal.
Extending Van Dijk’s stay was arguably one of the most important things for Liverpool to do last season, even though Mohamed Salah’s contract was also due to expire.
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Although Van Dijk is still an exceptional footballer, there’s no hiding from the fact that he’s 33 years old.
This means that, by the time his new deal expires in 2027, he’ll be 35 with his prime years likely behind him.
With this in mind, rumours have started to emerge regarding some potential transfer targets for Arne Slot this summer.
Marc Guehi is the biggest name linked with an Anfield switch, with the Englishman now entering the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace.
And, with no signs of an extension in sight, Crystal Palace will want to sell him now so that they don’t end up losing him for nothing at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Giovanni Leoni has also been linked with a move to Liverpool. The Italian is just 18 years old and has had a breakout season with Parma.
Giovanni Leoni pictured during a Serie A match between Parma and Lazio.
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Leoni would be available for just £26million, and if he chose to join the Anfield outfit this summer, he’d have two years of being mentored by the Dutchman, which would be ideal, especially if he’s seen as the next Van Dijk.
Of course, these are just rumours for now, but on the face of things, Liverpool getting a new centre-back through the doors seems like a smart idea.