MusaChelsea Agree £60m Deal for Brighton Striker João Pedro
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Brighton forward João Pedro in a deal reportedly worth £60 million. The 23-year-old has reportedly agreed to a seven-year contract with the Blues and could feature in the ongoing Club World Cup after flying from Brazil to the U.S. for his medical.
Pedro may make his Chelsea debut in Friday’s quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia. The Brazilian, who will become Chelsea’s sixth summer signing, scored 10 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Brighton last season. Since joining the Seagulls, he has registered 30 goals and 10 assists in 70 total matches.
Newcastle had previously seen a £50 million bid for the striker rejected last week.
Who Could Replace João Pedro at Brighton?
Charalampos Kostoulas
Brighton have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos for £30 million, with potential add-ons taking the fee to £31.7 million. The deal, finalized on July 1, includes a five-year contract running until 2030.
Nicknamed “Babistuta” for his lethal finishing reminiscent of Gabriel Batistuta, Kostoulas boasts an impressive scoring record. Last season, he netted seven goals in 22 Greek Super League matches, adding two assists in 35 total appearances—including eight Europa League outings. His youth career was equally prolific, with five goals in eight UEFA Youth League games, helping Olympiakos clinch the title in 2024.
A Greece U-21 international, Kostoulas made his professional debut at just 15, becoming Olympiakos’ youngest-ever player. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has praised his versatility and readiness for the Premier League. With interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, Kostoulas is viewed as a cornerstone of Brighton’s future attack.
Stefanos Tzimas
Brighton also secured 19-year-old Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas from FC Nürnberg in February 2025 for £20.8 million plus add-ons, signing him to a contract until 2030. A traditional No. 9, Tzimas scored 10 goals and provided two assists in just 17 Bundesliga 2 appearances last season.
Previously at PAOK, he became their youngest-ever scorer at 17, netting four goals in 23 first-team appearances during the 2023/24 campaign.
Hürzeler said: “Stefanos is an exceptional young talent—a natural finisher with outstanding potential. We’re thrilled to have him.” While he may need time to adapt to the Premier League, his pace, strength, and predatory instincts make him an exciting prospect. Together with Kostoulas, he could form part of a golden generation for Greek football.
Danny Welbeck
The 34-year-old remains a vital figure for Brighton, enjoying one of his best seasons with 10 Premier League goals last term. Hürzeler has lauded his leadership, movement, and clinical finishing, stating: “Danny’s professionalism sets the standard. He’s indispensable for our young squad.”
With Welbeck’s experience complementing the promise of Kostoulas and Tzimas, Brighton’s attack looks well-equipped for the future.
Musa
