Barcelona Want Joao Pedro — And They’re Coming With £86m
The Reigning Spanish Champions Have Set Their Sights On Chelsea’s Best Player. But Stamford Bridge Isn’t Ready To Sell
Barcelona are planning to begin negotiations to sign Joao Pedro soon, with talks still in an early stage. The deal is speculated to be worth around £86m, including a fixed amount and bonuses.
And the urgency is real. Barcelona’s wish is to advance talks after Chelsea’s FA Cup final and before the World Cup — with sporting director Deco wanting to intensify negotiations as quickly as possible.
Why Pedro? The Lewandowski factor
Barcelona have decided not to offer Robert Lewandowski a contract renewal, with the Polish veteran reportedly aiming to play in Saudi Arabia after receiving proposals for a massive salary. With his imminent departure confirmed, the Spanish side accelerated negotiations for Joao Pedro.
After difficulties completing the signing of Julián Álvarez — with Atlético Madrid demanding fees north of €120m — Barcelona changed targets, now prioritising the arrival of Joao Pedro from Chelsea.
As one insider put it: “Pedro is hugely appealing to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. He has all the characteristics that Barcelona likes. If Álvarez doesn’t work out, this is the option that is a consensus and excites everyone.”
The numbers — and Pedro’s stunning debut season
Chelsea signed Pedro last summer from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m, and he has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge — scoring 20 goals in all competitions, with 15 coming in the Premier League. He has made the number nine position his own, easily fighting off competition from Liam Delap, who also joined last summer.
Barcelona know it won’t be cheap. Early indications suggest the transfer could reach the €100 million mark, including fixed fees and performance-related bonuses.
The door that could open it all
Here’s the twist that could change everything. The Catalan giants may hold a significant advantage in negotiations due to Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. While Pedro has adapted well to life in London, the lure of playing in Europe’s premier competition for the reigning Spanish champions could prove influential.
Barcelona are reportedly leaning on their “Raphinha blueprint” — highlighting how another standout Brazilian international traded the Premier League for Camp Nou in his mid-20s to elevate his career to world-class heights. Reports even indicate that Pedro has already held informal discussions with his international teammate Raphinha regarding life under Hansi Flick.
Chelsea’s response — Not for sale
Despite Barcelona’s interest, Chelsea have made their stance very clear — Joao Pedro is not for sale this summer.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Chelsea has no intention of selling Pedro to Barcelona, with the club conveying through intermediaries that they will not enable a transfer in the next summer window due to challenges in finding a replacement of comparable quality.
And Pedro himself? He is not presently contemplating a negotiation — focused entirely on completing the season with Chelsea and preparing for the World Cup.
But In Football, “Not For Sale” And “Unavailable” Are Rarely The Same Thing — Especially When Barcelona Come Knocking.