The recent transfer window was pretty chaotic for Chelsea, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. However, Premier League rivals Liverpool were the story of the summer, breaking the Premier League’s transfer record twice.
Chelsea were pleased with their transfer activity because they feel the current squad is stronger than in the previous season.
As for Liverpool, they have backed Arne Slot with the ammunition to try and retain the league crown. The Merseyside giants made several impressive signings, including Florian Wirtz for £116m (BBC) from Bayer Leverkusen. In addition, they finally signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on deadline day for a mammoth £125m fee (BBC).
Alexander Isak during the Newcastle United Pre Season Training Session
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Pat Nevin argues Joao Pedro to Chelsea is a better deal than Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Chelsea also bolstered their forward line in the summer, including with the signing of Joao Pedro for £60m (BBC) from Brighton. The Brazilian forward has started superbly by scoring five goals in his opening six Blues appearances across all competitions.
According to Pat Nevin, Chelsea’s transfer of Pedro is a better deal than Isak to Liverpool.
Nevin told The Mirror: “The club have brought Joao Pedro in for half the price of Isak. Is Isak really twice the player that Joao Pedro is? I don’t think so. He’s a fabulous player, he’s probably better than Joao Pedro at the moment, but if you’re looking at smart money, then Chelsea have got the better deal.”
Even though Pedro has started in breathtaking form at Stamford Bridge, he’s still trying to prove himself at the highest level. The early signs are that the 23-year-old frontman can do it all, though.
Daniel Sturridge’s verdict on Chelsea’s Pedro is that he’s the most underrated signing of the summer.
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Meanwhile, Isak, 25, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s elite strikers recently. He scored 54 goals in 86 league appearances for Newcastle, so those numbers could only rise with reigning champions Liverpool.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Joao Pedro now under extra pressure at Chelsea
The pressure that Isak will be on at Liverpool from day one will be colossus. It looks like Pedro will be under similar pressure in the months ahead, too.