Brazilian forward eyes dream start in Philadelphia after £60 million move, while teenage sensation Estevao could shine for Palmeiras
Chelsea’s newest signing, Joao Pedro, could make his highly anticipated debut for the club when they take on Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Friday. The 23-year-old forward, who completed a £60 million move from Brighton just days ago, has already begun training with Enzo Maresca’s squad in Miami ahead of the crucial knockout clash in Philadelphia.
Joao Pedro, who signed an eight-year deal with the Blues, expressed his excitement about joining the London club. “I’m very excited to play for Chelsea, to fight for every title, every tournament, and to play in the Champions League,” he told the club’s website. “Hopefully, we win as many trophies as possible.” Remarkably, his first piece of silverware could come in just 10 days if Chelsea triumph in FIFA’s revamped global tournament.
This will be Chelsea’s first meeting with Palmeiras since defeating them in the 2022 Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi—a match that featured a completely different squad from the current one. Since then, new ownership has overseen a major overhaul, with Joao Pedro becoming the latest addition to a rapidly changing team.
The Brazilian striker, hailing from São Paulo, is no stranger to Palmeiras, having grown up watching the two-time Copa Libertadores champions. He began his career at Fluminense, who Chelsea could face in the semi-finals if both teams advance.
Chelsea’s journey in the tournament has been eventful so far. After a 3-1 group-stage loss to Flamengo, they bounced back with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in Charlotte—a match delayed by severe weather. Joao Pedro now joins an attack bolstered by Liam Delap, who scored his first Chelsea goal in their 3-0 win over Tunisia’s Esperance.
Meanwhile, Palmeiras will rely on their own rising star, 17-year-old winger Estevao Willian, who is considered one of Brazil’s brightest talents. Despite being substituted early in their last-16 win over Botafogo, Estevao is expected to start against Chelsea, with his replacement Paulinho struggling for fitness.
The Brazilian side has been preparing in Philadelphia, training at the facilities of NFL champions the Philadelphia Eagles. Defender Bruno Fuchs revealed the team’s determination, saying, “The coach has been talking about this since the start of the season. We have a dream, and dreaming does not cost anything.”
However, Palmeiras faces defensive woes, with captain Gustavo Gomez and left-back Joaquin Piquerez both suspended. As both teams eye a place in the semi-finals, Friday’s clash—set against the backdrop of America’s Independence Day—promises fireworks on and off the pitch.
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