Chelsea FC continue to bring in reinforcements for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, adding more attacking firepower this week with the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Brazilian international gives Blues head coach Enzo Maresca another versatile forward, who can play as a centre-forward, second striker and attacking midfielder. The 23-year-old has joined the Londoners in time for Friday’s quarter-final against Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where he could make his debut.
Pedro is Chelsea’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town before the tournament.
Here FIFA takes a look at the multitude of forwards who could feature in Maresca’s line-up against Palmeiras with the return of Nicolas Jackson from suspension.
Nicolas Jackson
The volatile striker received his second red card in four matches in the 3-1 loss to CR Flamengo and has served his two-game suspension. While Jackson returned to training this week, he would be a surprising selection to start against Palmeiras.
Liam Delap
The 22-year-old started the last two games at striker, and he is still finding his footing in Maresca’s system, although he scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 victory against Espérance. Right now, he represents consistency up top and should lead the line again.
Pedro Neto
The Portuguese winger has started three Club World Cup games and scored in all three. He’s been deployed on the right twice and once on the left, but he should return to his normal position as the right-sided attacker with the Blues fighting for a semi-final spot.
Noni Madueke
Madueke has been the odd-man out with Maresca’s constant lineup tinkering, which has seen Neto and Cole Palmer playing out wide on the left. The England international surprisingly didn’t leave the bench in the 4-1 extra-time triumph against SL Benfica, and it appears he will sit once again.
Cole Palmer
Maresca’s midfield plans with the suspension of Moises Caicedo will determine where Palmer plays against Palmeiras. He could return to his usual No10 role if Enzo Fernandez partners with Romeo Lavia or Dario Essugo as the holding midfielders. Maresca figures to opt for more defensive solidity and give Palmer a free-floating role as the left-sided winger.
Christopher Nkunku
The French international was supposed to be Chelsea’s Swiss Army knife, capable of filling various forward roles, but he has underwhelmed in his two seasons with the Blues. Now that Pedro has arrived, Nkunku’s minutes could evaporate despite scoring the extra-time winner against Benfica.
Joao Pedro
He has been brought in to make an immediate impact. If the Blues are pushing for a late goal, Pedro could make his Chelsea debut as one of Maresca’s late substitutes.
