Club World Cup Progress
Chelsea secured a 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 on June 26, 2025, despite a two-hour weather delay in Miami. Enzo Maresca’s side, appearing inconsistent at times (1.6 xG average per game), now face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-finals on Saturday, June 28, at 10:00 AM EEST. As favorites, Chelsea aim to reach the semi-finals, where they could face Manchester City, who defeated Al-Ain 6:0. Cole Palmer’s two assists and Nicolas Jackson’s goal (1.2 aerial duels won per game) highlighted the Benfica win, but Maresca seeks more fluency against Palmeiras’ counter-attacking style (2.1 xG per game).
Joao Pedro Transfer
Chelsea have finalized a deal to sign Brighton’s 23-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro for over £50m, with the transfer set to be completed before the Palmeiras match. Pedro, who scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 games for Brighton since joining from Watford in 2023, has agreed a contract until June 2032. He will undergo a medical in Brazil before joining Chelsea’s squad in the US for the Club World Cup. Despite interest from Newcastle United, Pedro prioritized Stamford Bridge for a guaranteed starting role, complementing Liam Delap and outpacing Noni Madueke’s 8 goals in 2024/25.
Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Pedro becomes Chelsea’s fourth summer signing, following Liam Delap (£20m from Ipswich), Dario Essugo (loan from Sporting CP), and defender Mamadou Sarr (£15m from Lyon). The Blues’ £150m+ spending spree, including failed pursuits of Jamie Gittens and Malick Fofana, aims to reduce reliance on Cole Palmer (12 goals, 11 assists in 2024/25). Pedro’s 3.2 shots per game and versatility as a No. 9 or winger align with Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, though Mykhaylo Mudryk’s potential four-year doping ban accelerates the need for attacking depth. Chelsea’s financial flexibility, bolstered by £30m from Conor Gallagher’s sale, supports further targets like Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Next Steps
Chelsea’s clash with Palmeiras, led by Endrick (9 goals in 2024/25), tests their defensive resilience, with Thiago Silva facing his former club. A semi-final against Manchester City or Juventus looms if they advance. Pedro’s integration could see him debut against Palmeiras, adding firepower alongside Jackson. Fans on X are optimistic about Pedro’s “clinical” finishing but urge Maresca to address defensive errors (1.4 per game). Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 17, 2025, awaits, with Pedro’s signing signaling their title ambitions after a fourth-place finish.
