Joao Pedro’s Chelsea career has gotten off to a strong start. He joined his new teammates in the United States halfway through the FIFA Club World Cup after being signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £60 million at the beginning of the month.
Pedro made his debut as a substitute in the Londoners’ quarterfinal victory over Palmeiras. He then scored a brace to mark his first start as Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to advance to the final.
In the final, the forward scored Chelsea’s third goal as they easily defeated Paris Saint-Germain, the defending European champions, putting them on the scoresheet once more.
Last season, the Brazilian was previously connected to Liverpool. Last month, Igor Julio, a Brighton teammate, even encouraged him to sign with the Reds.
“I think he will prioritize what comes from London first because he has always told me that he really wants to live there,” Julio said to Trivela.
I advised [Pedro] to consider his professional goals. I would support a team that competes for the Premier League, participates in the Champions League, and consistently wins if I were going to a “big six” team.
“I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It’s because I’ve always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there.”
Pedro completed his transfer to Chelsea before the Reds ever made a move for him, even though they might find themselves in the market for a new center-forward this summer.
However, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, who has likened Anfield great Roberto Firmino to the 23-year-old, has expressed his surprise that his old team was not in the running for him.
On ESPN, Nicol stated, “I think it’s a fantastic signing.” Prior to the whole (Florian) Wirtz controversy, I was genuinely hoping that Liverpool might try to sign him.
“Because I feel like he somewhat reminds me of Bobby Firmino.”
Although he is more athletic than Bobby Firmino, he will score goals and make connections in the middle of the park as well as inside and outside the box.
“I think he’s a Bobby Firmino. I think that’s what he is, and watching this Chelsea team without Jackson up front and with Joao Pedro up front, I thought they looked a completely different team. I thought they looked way better going forward.
“I thought they looked exciting. I think Joao Pedro is a great player.”