New signing Joao Pedro might make his debut for Chelsea after they renew acquaintances with Brazilian outfit Palmeiras within the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on Friday (July 4, 2025).
The 23-year-old Brazilian ahead accomplished a transfer to Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £60 million ($79 million) on Wednesday and instantly started coaching with Enzo Maresca’s squad in Miami.
That is the place they’ve been getting ready for the final eight of the match within the United States, earlier than travelling again to Philadelphia on Thursday ahead of the conflict with Sao Paulo aspect Palmeiras.
“I’m very excited to play for Chelsea, to fight for every title, every tournament and play in the Champions League. Hopefully, we win as many trophies as possible,” Joao Pedro advised the membership’s web site after placing pen to paper on an eight-year contract.
There is the tantalising risk {that a} first trophy for the brand new signing might are available simply 10 days’ time, if Chelsea go all the best way in FIFA’s profitable new competitors.
The London membership beat Palmeiras within the closing of the outdated Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi in early 2022, though none of the gamers concerned for them that day are nonetheless there.
New house owners got here in a number of months after that success and Chelsea’s squad has overgone main adjustments since, with Joao Pedro simply the most recent face of many to reach.
He comes from the state of Sao Paulo so is acquainted with Palmeiras, Copa Libertadores winners in 2020 and 2021.
Joao Pedro additionally started his profession at Fluminense, who they may face within the semi-finals of the Club World Cup — the group from Rio de Janeiro tackle Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia of their last-eight tie.
– Estevao to face future group –
Chelsea have already confronted Brazilian opposition in Philadelphia at this Club World Cup and misplaced, however the 3-1 reverse by the hands of Flamengo didn’t stop them from progressing past their group.
Maresca’s aspect then overcame a prolonged storm delay to beat Benfica 4-1 after further time in Charlotte within the final 16 and make it to the quarter-finals.
Joao Pedro will now hope to function in an assault that has already been strengthened on the Club World Cup with the addition of Liam Delap, the previous Ipswich Town striker who scored his first aim for his new group within the 3-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia.
Another new attacker will be part of after the match, however teenage winger Estevao Willian might be within the opposition ranks on Friday for a sport going down on the American Fourth of July vacation, within the metropolis the place the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776.
Eyebrows have been raised when Estevao, who performs principally off the fitting flank, was substituted by coach Abel Ferreira early within the second half earlier than Palmeiras went on to beat Botafogo in further time within the final 16.
It was his alternative Paulinho who went on to attain the winner, however he’s experiencing health points and isn’t anticipated to start out within the quarter-final.
That means Estevao, seen as Brazil’s most enjoyable younger expertise, ought to line up at kick-off for Palmeiras, who not like Chelsea have been coaching within the metropolis the place Friday’s match will happen.
They have been utilizing the amenities of Super Bowl winners the Philadelphia Eagles and might be hoping some of the NFL aspect’s magic rubs off on them.
“The coach has been talking about this since the start of the season,” Palmeiras defender Bruno Fuchs mentioned of his group’s Club World Cup bid.
“We have a dream and dreaming does not cost anything.”
Palmeiras do have defensive complications too, nevertheless, with centre-back and captain Gustavo Gomez suspended together with left-back Joaquin Piquerez.
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