Joao Pedro's Chelsea Debut: When Will the New Star Take the Field?
Another transfer window brings another major spending spree for Chelsea, as they've successfully secured João Pedro to bolster their already impressive attacking lineup.
The London club, having previously acquired Liam Delap from Ipswich Town during this summer window, reached an agreement valued at up to £60 million ($82.4 million) with Brighton & Hove Albion and quickly moved to finalize the deal at the earliest opportunity.
After witnessing several player debuts during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea fans are eagerly anticipating their first look at the Brazilian striker wearing the club's colors, and they won't need to wait much longer to see him take the field.
Here's the timeline for when Pedro might make his inaugural appearance for the Blues.
When Could João Pedro Make His Chelsea Debut?
Pedro made the journey to the United States to undergo his Chelsea medical examination and has now joined his new teammates for the remaining Club World Cup matches. With the tournament's second squad registration period ending on Thursday, July 3, the Blues successfully added the 23-year-old to their official roster.
This registration means Pedro is eligible to play for Chelsea in the tournament and might see action during the club's quarter-final match against Brazilian team Palmeiras on Saturday, July 5. Supporters in the United Kingdom will need to sacrifice sleep to catch his potential debut, as the quarter-final match begins at 2 a.m. BST.
Pedro will remain available for both the semi-final and final rounds should Chelsea advance past Palmeiras, with the Blues positioned favorably for a run to the tournament's climax in mid-July.
However, Stamford Bridge supporters will need to wait considerably longer to see Pedro play at home. Chelsea has scheduled friendly matches at home against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on Friday, August 8 and Sunday, August 10 respectively. Their opening Premier League fixture takes place at home versus Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17.
What Number Will João Pedro Wear?
Pedro has sported various jersey numbers throughout his professional career but found his preference in the No.10 shirt during his stint at Watford. He initially donned the No.17 but earned a promotion to the coveted number after delivering impressive performances in his first season.
Pedro subsequently secured his big-money transfer to Brighton, where he received the No.9 shirt upon his arrival. He maintained that number throughout his tenure on the south coast, but will need to select a different option for the 2025–26 season.
Delap has claimed the No.9 jersey while Cole Palmer took over the No.10 shirt earlier this summer from Mykhailo Mudryk. Several numbers remain available at Stamford Bridge—with more likely to become free following expected departures—but the No.13, 16, 20 and 21 appear most suitable for the South American forward.