According to AS, Chelsea have finalized a contract extension for the Brazilian striker. The new contract has the same term as the original one, but the salary will increase significantly.
Chelsea have agreed to extend the contract of star striker João Pedro. According to AS, the Blues have finalized a deal to extend Pedro's (born in 2001 in Ribeirom Preto, São Paulo, Brazil) contract until 2032, with an option to extend for another two years. The new contract has the same length as his initial contract when he arrived in London last summer, but with a significant pay rise. This also allows Xabi Alonso to retain a player who might have been a major player in the transfer market.
João Pedro will remain at Stamford Bridge. A comprehensive agreement has been reached and is awaiting signing, expected in the coming days, and possibly even before the transfer window closes. Chelsea hope to reward João Pedro by elevating his position in the wage structure, bringing his salary to the level of Moises Caicedo, who just renewed his contract in May.
In addition, the new contract includes a change of jersey number: João Pedro, who wore number 20 last season, will switch to number 9 this season, a change that has been officially confirmed. This contract extension is part of Chelsea's program to reward players based on their performance. Palmer and Caicedo have already completed their contract extensions, and now, after this attacker, it is expected that Esterwán will be next.
Previously, Barcelona and Arsenal had inquired about signing the striker, prompting Chelsea to accelerate contract extension negotiations. The club's management appreciated the interest from both clubs but made it clear that João Pedro was not for sale, especially after Xabi Alonso took over. This summer, following rumors of a possible departure, Chelsea repeatedly stated: "He is not on the sale list."
The San Sebastián head coach played a key role in João Pedro's contract extension. One of his first actions upon taking over was to call João Pedro and explain the important role he hoped he would play in the team.
This is not without reason. João Pedro became Chelsea's top scorer in his first season in London, netting 20 goals and providing 6 assists in 50 appearances, including a brace in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense, which was his best season ever.
This season, he has the potential to break his own record. During the preseason, he has already scored 7 goals and provided 1 assist, including 4 goals in the last two matches against Milan and Real Sociedad.
This Brazilian striker is always hungry for goals. Brazil didn't call him up for the last World Cup for technical reasons, seemingly "forgetting" his outstanding performance; Ancelotti later realized his absence. João Pedro is hungry and wants to prove himself, continue down the path he followed last season, become a legend in London, and rediscover his form for the Brazilian national team.
Brazil will begin a new cycle with friendly matches against Australia and India in September, and Ancelotti considers the 24-year-old attacker to be one of the key players for the Brazilian team.
