Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has broken his silence on Joao Pedro’s £60m move to Chelsea — and insists his squad is ready to adapt.
Pedro, who joined from Watford in 2023, scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for the Seagulls. His explosive form last season earned him a move to Stamford Bridge, where he’s already impressed with three Club World Cup goals, including one in the 3-0 final win over PSG.
Despite the blow, Hurzeler is staying calm and focused.
“We shouldn’t complain… I’m confident we can replace every individual player as a team.” — Fabian Hurzeler
Who Replaces Joao Pedro at Brighton?
Replacing Pedro one-for-one is near impossible, Hurzeler admitted. But Brighton have already made moves:
- Danny Welbeck scored four in pre-season against Wycombe
- Georginio Rutter, signed from Leeds, adds Premier League experience
- Kostoulas & Tzimas, a £50m investment in Greek youth
That group will need to produce fast — Pedro was Brighton’s most consistent attacking threat last season.
Brighton Transfer Plans: 'Big Meeting' With Bloom
With interest mounting in players like Evan Ferguson, Estupinan, and Enciso, Hurzeler knows Brighton aren’t done yet — but he’s hopeful.<blockquote style="border-left:4px solid #71ad47; padding-left:16px;"> “I had a big meeting with the owner… it shows a good working relationship.” <cite>— Fabian Hurzeler</cite> </blockquote>
Brighton’s transparency between manager and ownership could be a major asset during a summer of potential upheaval.
Analyst Verdict
Selling Pedro for £60m is a strong return — but also a major gamble unless Welbeck stays fit and Brighton’s new attackers settle fast. Hurzeler’s system thrives on cohesion and work rate, but the individual quality Pedro brought may be hard to replicate in tight games.
Key Insights
- Joao Pedro scored 30 goals for Brighton in 70 games
- Chelsea paid £60m for the Brazilian forward
- Pedro has already scored three for Chelsea in Club World Cup
- Brighton spent £50m on two young strikers to help replace him
- A key meeting took place between Hurzeler and owner Tony Bloom
What’s Next?
Brighton face a crucial month. If Enciso or Ferguson are sold, Hurzeler’s rebuild becomes even tougher. Albion will focus on fine-tuning the forward line in pre-season — and keeping the rest of the squad intact.
Did Brighton sell Joao Pedro at the right time — or was it too soon? Let us know your verdict in the comments!
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