Which Jersey Number Will Joao Pedro Choose at Chelsea?
Chelsea are making serious moves this summer, with their offensive transformation set to reach completion through the acquisition of Brighton & Hove Albion's João Pedro.
The Blues and Seagulls have conducted numerous negotiations over recent years, with Pedro positioned to become the 197th Brighton player recruited by the west London outfit during the 2020s.
Alright, that figure might be somewhat inflated, but Chelsea appears unable to navigate a transfer period without exploring the south coast talent pool. Pedro represents a dynamic talent who has demonstrated his capabilities as a formidable Premier League performer across multiple positions.
Enzo Maresca will value his adaptability, and many will question where the Brazilian will operate within the Italian's tactical system. Others, however, may be curious about which number he'll wear on his Chelsea jersey. Here are the potential options for the new signing.
João Pedro Shirt Number History
Pedro has experienced considerable variation regarding shirt numbers throughout the beginning of his relatively brief senior career.
The Brazilian developed at Fluminense and initially wore No. 23 before eventually moving to Watford in January 2020 following an agreement reached nearly 18 months earlier.
Pedro was originally given the No. 17 jersey and didn't see much action during his initial months with the team. Impressed by the then-teenager's ability, however, Watford designated Pedro as their new No. 10 before the 2020–21 campaign following their demotion to the Championship.
The adaptable striker largely justified Watford's confidence, though much of his finest performances came in the second division. Brighton subsequently paid a club-record transfer fee for his services in 2023, and he sported No. 9 at the Amex.
Chelsea Available Shirt Numbers
Pedro functions more as a 10 than as a traditional No. 9, with much of his effectiveness at Brighton, specifically, coming when he operated alongside a target man up front—whether Evan Ferguson or Danny Welbeck.
The Brazilian therefore appears well-suited to collaborate with another new Chelsea summer acquisition in Liam Delap, who's sporting the No. 9 jersey at the Club World Cup. Cole Palmer holds the club's new No. 10 position, meanwhile.
Andrey Santos currently possesses the No. 17 shirt Pedro initially wore at Watford, but the midfielder's future remains uncertain, while No. 23 belongs to Trevoh Chalobah.
Therefore, options are currently limited for the new addition. Numbers 13, 16, 20, 21, 26, 28 and 29 represent the most probable choices.