Brighton have sold Joao Pedro to Chelsea in a shock £60million deal, but the Seagulls are already planning for life without him, focusing on a Brighton Joao Pedro replacement for 2025.
The 23-year-old forward has signed a seven-year deal and will link up with Chelsea in the Club World Cup. He could debut in their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.
Pedro scored 10 goals in 30 appearances last season, and 30 goals overall in his Brighton career. While Newcastle reportedly had a £50m bid rejected last week, it’s Chelsea who got their man.
Who’s Replacing Joao Pedro at Brighton?
Brighton have quietly prepared for Pedro’s exit. With two major signings up front, they’ve invested nearly £50m in future goals.
Charalampos Kostoulas – Brighton’s Greek Gamble
Brighton signed 18-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos for a club-record £30m. The deal includes £1.7m in add-ons and a five-year contract through 2030.
Known in Greece as “Babistuta” due to his Batistuta-style finishing, Kostoulas scored 7 goals and 2 assists in his first full senior season. He also netted five in eight UEFA Youth League games, helping Olympiakos win the title in 2024.
Debuting professionally at 15, Kostoulas is already seen as one of Europe’s top young forwards. Manchester United and Chelsea had shown interest
Stefanos Tzimas – Another Greek Gem
In February, Brighton also signed 19-year-old Stefanos Tzimas from FC Nurnberg for £20.8m plus add-ons. He scored 10 goals in 17 Bundesliga 2 appearances, showing the instincts of a classic No.9.
Previously at PAOK, Tzimas became their youngest-ever goalscorer. Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler called him:
“An exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals.” — Fabian Hürzeler
Tzimas is expected to need time to adapt, but the club believes he can grow into a key figure over the next two seasons.
Danny Welbeck’s Role Just Became Crucial
Danny Welbeck may be 34, but he’s enjoying a career resurgence. Last season, he hit 10 Premier League goals — his best ever return in a Brighton shirt.
“Danny’s professionalism and mentality are unmatched. He sets the tone for our young squad.” — Fabian Hürzeler
Welbeck will now act as a mentor to Kostoulas and Tzimas, while also leading the line as Brighton chase European qualification.
Match Stats: Brighton’s 2024/25 Forward Line
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joao Pedro | 30 | 10 | — |
| Kostoulas (Olympiakos) | 35 | 7 | 2 |
| Tzimas (Nurnberg) | 17 | 10 | 2 |
| Welbeck | 28 | 10 | 4 |
Analyst Verdict
Brighton may lose Joao Pedro, but they’ve gained two hungry, high-upside strikers and retained a leader in Welbeck. The squad is younger, more flexible, and full of energy — all for the price of one exit.
Key Insights
- Brighton sold Joao Pedro to Chelsea for £60m
- Signed Greek duo Kostoulas and Tzimas for a combined £50m
- Danny Welbeck had his best-ever Brighton season in 2024/25
- Hürzeler building toward a youth-focused forward line
What’s Next for Brighton?
With European qualification the target again, all eyes turn to whether Kostoulas or Tzimas can step up. Welbeck leads the line for now — but the future is already here at the Amex.
Can Kostoulas become Brighton’s new Pedro — or is it Tzimas’ time to shine?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 30 Jun 2025 11:39
Charalampos Kostoulas probably the next thing.
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