The summer transfer window is underway as Premier League sides Chelsea vs. Liverpool battle to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion. Pedro joined Brighton from Watford last summer for approximately £30 million. In a year, he has grown into one of Europe’s hottest attackers. With on-field contributions and versatility, and Premier League experience, making him an attractive option for clubs intending to bulk up their attacking ranks.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool: The Fight for Brighton’s Star
Joao Pedro has certainly been a breath of fresh air since arriving at Brighton where he has contributed 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 matches in all competition. This season he has been involved in 10 goals and seven assists in 27 Premier League matches. He has demonstrated he can play as a central striker, second striker or out wide to top effect. His form has attracted the attention of pundits including Alan Shearer who described his performance as “superb”.
Pedro’s season hasn’t been all clean sailing. He faced a three-match ban in April following an altercation with Brentford’s Nathan Collins. Reports suggest Seagulls would ask for between £60m – £100m for him which is an astronomical rise in price from what they paid for him originally.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Clash for Joao Pedro
Chelsea’s interest in João Pedro is due to their need for a reliable No. 9. Nicolas Jackson is inconsistent in performances. His recent red card against Newcastle had shown the Blues that they were in need of a finisher. Although Chelsea considered other players like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, João’s Premier League experience and versatility fits their profile to help them with the issue in the final third.
Chelsea are used to raiding Brighton to bring over talent as shown through Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sanchez. Reports suggest that they are willing to offer a whopping £100m. Although negotiations would also depend on whether Brighton are willing to do business with a direct rival. To complicate things, Chelsea are also bound by financial fair play. Moreover, they face competition for other targets like Liam Delap, rumored to also be heading to Manchester United.
Brighton Star Also Attracts Anfield’s Atmosphere
For Liverpool, Pedro would fit their problems with the discontent surrounding Darwin Núñez, who has been staggered with his performances. Liverpool manager Arne Slot sees João Pedro as being versatile enough to do a number of roles as well as playing as a false nine. The Reds’ recruitment staff, led by Michael Edwards by the way, have monitored Pedro since his Watford days. So they believe in his quality as a player.
Liverpool are considering Brighton forward Joao Pedro as a more affordable alternative to Alexander Isak and/or a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez [@sachatavolieri]
Fabian Hurzeler has attributed the Brazilian's absence from the Seagulls' squad against the Reds tonight to… pic.twitter.com/I468Zu1ocC
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) May 19, 2025
Liverpool are likely to take a slightly more cautious approach than Chelsea. The reports suggests a bid will be in the £60-70 million ball-park. Liverpool’s measured approach to the market comes in stark contrast to Chelsea’s spendthrift approach and this could test Brighton’s patience. Liverpool have also agreed to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen recently. This demonstrates they still want to mix it up with Chelsea but also want to invest in squad depth too.
Brighton’s Competing Interest
Brighton, who are shrewd operators when it comes to transfers, are under absolutely no pressure to sell either. The club is resolute in driving up Pedro’s price and why wouldn’t they given several top clubs are showing interest? Aston Villa and Newcastle United could also be in the mix, but it seems set to be a two horse race between Chelsea and Liverpool .
Arsenal are also interesting to consider but seem to be looking towards something with Sporting CP and Viktor Gyökeres. This narrow downs Pedro’s suitors. Brighton could be on the verge of a bidding war for Pedro depending on how interested parties value him and whether they can commit to it.
Peak Transfer Saga
The upcoming transfer window, focus will be on Brighton’s valuation, and if Chelsea and Liverpool will be willing to acquiesce. This transfer battle, given Pedro’s adaptability and track record, characterizes the high stakes involved in the increasingly serious business that is modern football. Regardless of whether it is blue or red he wears next season, one thing is for certain: Joao Pedro’s next move, will shape his own future and that of whatever club he represents.
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