Chelsea to Extend Joao Pedro’s Contract Ahead of Premier League Season
Chelsea is preparing to extend the contract of striker Joao Pedro until 2034 before the upcoming Premier League season kicks off. Sources from Stamford Bridge indicate that the deal is expected to be finalized soon, while those close to the 24-year-old confirm that an agreement has already been made for a contract that will last until 2032, with an option for an additional two years.
Internally, the club views the Brazil international as a significant success since his arrival from Brighton in a deal valued at an initial £55 million, plus £5 million in add-ons, last summer.
During the previous season, Joao Pedro distinguished himself as the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to achieve 20 goals in a single campaign without taking any penalties. He also made contributions to Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory last summer by scoring three goals, and he has netted eight goals in just seven pre-season matches.
Anticipation builds for his participation in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday, with new signings Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha set to offer support this season.
The positive performance from Joao Pedro has prompted Chelsea to assign him the prestigious number nine jersey, previously held by Liam Delap. Delap is currently available for transfer at around £50 million and is drawing interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
Additionally, Chelsea plans to offer new contracts to other key players once the transfer window closes, with Levi Colwill and Estevao Willian likely to be among those considered.
Chelsea are set to renew striker Joao Pedro’s contract until 2034 before the start of the Premier League season.
Sources at Stamford Bridge say they expect the deal to go through – while those close to the 24-year-old say a full agreement has already been reached on a contract to run until 2032, with an option for the club to extend it by a further two years.
Advertisement
Internally, the Brazil international is regarded as a major success after joining from Brighton in a deal worth an initial £55m, plus £5m in add-ons, last summer.
Last season, Joao Pedro became the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to score 20 goals in a campaign without taking penalties.
He also scored three times during Chelsea’s Club World Cup-winning campaign last summer and has netted eight goals in seven pre-season matches.
Joao Pedro is likely to start Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday, with new signings Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha expected to provide cover this season.
Advertisement
His success has led Chelsea to hand him the number nine shirt, with Liam Delap relinquishing it. Delap is available for transfer for around £50m and is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
Chelsea intend to hand out a number of new contracts to key players after the transfer window closes, with Levi Colwill and Estevao Willian among those likely to be considered.
[/gpt3]
