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Joao Pedro explains £60m Chelsea transfer decision after Newcastle United snub
Sep 05 2025 11:38 · By Amie Wilson
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Joao Pedro completed a transfer to Chelsea in the summer transfer window, snubbing Newcastle in the process (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has opened up on why he decided to move to Chelsea ahead of Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old completed a summer move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea in a deal that could see Enzo Maresca's side pay up to £60 million.
He has made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge scoring twice and providing two assists in his first three games for the club.
Chelsea weren’t the only team interested in the player in the summer transfer window. Newcastle United also made a move for Pedro, but their £50m bid was unsuccessful, before the player made it clear that he only wanted to move to Chelsea.
Before moving to Brighton in 2023, Pedro spent three years playing just outside of London for Watford. And it seems that moving back to the capital was a big factor in his latest transfer decision.
“When I was in Brighton, I was missing London a little bit,” he told the Standard about his decision to sign for Chelsea over Newcastle.
“I had a chance to move to another club, but I chose Chelsea because it’s in London, it’s a big club, and I knew in my head it was the right move.”
The Magpies were on the lookout for attacking reinforcements throughout the transfer window amid speculation over the future of Alexander Isak.
The striker eventually completed a £125m deadline day move to Liverpool.
Chelsea, meanwhile, continued to add to their attacking options. Pedro joined Jamie Gittens , Alejandro Garnacho , Liam Delap and Esteveo as the new additions in attack over the summer window.
"Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history," Pedro said when his move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
"They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. "So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."