Chelsea’s latest signing, Joao Pedro, could make his first appearance for the club in Friday’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, as the London side prepares to face familiar Brazilian opposition in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from Brighton for a reported £60 million on Wednesday, immediately linked up with Enzo Maresca’s squad in Miami. The team has been based there during their preparations for the tournament’s knockout phase before flying north to Philadelphia on Thursday.
“I’m thrilled to be here at Chelsea and ready to fight for every trophy,” Pedro told the club’s official website after penning an eight-year deal. “I’m looking forward to competing in the Champions League and helping win as many titles as we can.”
Chelsea are hoping the former Fluminense player’s arrival will provide a timely boost, with the prospect of lifting a trophy just over a week away should they progress to the final of FIFA’s newly expanded tournament. The Blues previously beat Palmeiras in the 2022 final of the older Club World Cup format, though none of the players from that match remain at the club following a complete overhaul of the squad under new ownership.
Pedro, born in the state of São Paulo, knows Palmeiras well. The reigning Copa Libertadores champions from 2020 and 2021 could also be joined in the later stages of the tournament by Fluminense—Pedro’s former club—if the Rio de Janeiro side overcome Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in their own quarter-final.
Chelsea have already endured one defeat to Brazilian opposition in the group stage, going down 3-1 to Flamengo. However, the loss wasn’t terminal to their campaign. They recovered by edging Benfica 4-1 after extra time in Charlotte—despite a weather delay—to book their place in the last eight.
Joao Pedro now adds to an attack recently strengthened by Liam Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town and opened his Chelsea account during a 3-0 win over Esperance. Another exciting addition, Estevao Willian, will join Chelsea after the tournament—but first, the 17-year-old prodigy will line up against them.
Estevao is expected to feature for Palmeiras on Friday after being controversially substituted early in the second half during their extra-time win over Botafogo in the round of 16. His replacement, Paulinho, scored the decisive goal but is struggling with fitness issues and may not start against Chelsea.
Highly regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest young stars, Estevao usually plays from the right flank. Friday’s encounter, set to be played on the United States’ Independence Day, will take place in Philadelphia—the historic city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Palmeiras have had the advantage of training locally, utilising the facilities of NFL champions the Philadelphia Eagles. They’ll hope some of that sporting success rubs off on them as they aim for global silverware.
“This has been a goal since the start of the season,” said defender Bruno Fuchs. “We’ve been dreaming about it—and dreams are free.”
Palmeiras face defensive setbacks ahead of the tie. Key centre-back and captain Gustavo Gomez is suspended, as is left-back Joaquin Piquerez, weakening the Brazilian side’s back line just as they prepare for one of their toughest tests.
