Joao Pedro is on the verge of completing his transfer to Chelsea, however, he will not be wearing the No. 9 jersey, but will have the option to select another memorable number.
The Blues have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for £55 million plus an extra £5 million in add-ons for the Brazil international.
The 25-year-old is anticipated to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Only two days have passed since Chelsea’s £55 million offer for Jamie Gittens, a forward for Borussia Dortmund, was approved by the Bundesliga team.
Both players can join Enzo Maresca’s team in the USA for the Club World Cup if they register before July 3. The Blues will play Palmeiras in the quarterfinals after defeating Benfica 4-1 in extra time.
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According to The Mirror, Pedro could have a lot of different shirt numbers issued to him. But he will not have the opportunity to end the ‘No. 9 curse’ at Chelsea.
Liam Delap, a £30 million summer acquisition who came from Ipswich Town before the US tournament began, has taken up that challenge. Since moving from Watford to Brighton for £35 million at the start of the 2023–24 season, Pedro has worn the No. 9.
Pedro wore the No. 10 shirt before to joining the Seagulls. Since it was recently taken from Mykhailo Mudryk and given to Cole Palmer, that number is also off the table.
Pedro might, however, choose to wear the No. 21 shirt, which he has worn for Brazil many times. Before Chelsea stepped in, the versatile forward was heavily linked to a move to Newcastle United.
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