Joao Pedro signs Chelsea extension, takes No.9

Contract extension until 2034

Brazil striker Joao Pedro has signed a new deal with Chelsea that will keep him at the club until 2034. The extension, announced on Saturday, comes on improved terms after his previous contract-signed when he joined from Brighton a year ago-was set to run until 2032 with an option for a further year.

Pedro, 24, finished his debut season with 20 goals, a tally that earned him the club’s top-scorer award and a place in the starting XI for the new campaign. “I always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club,” he said. “Chelsea has a long tradition of winning and it has big ambitions for the future.”

No.9 jersey and new role

The extension also sees Pedro take on the club’s iconic No.9 shirt, a number that has been a source of mixed fortunes for Chelsea forwards. The jersey was last worn by Liam Delap, who has now been made available for transfer, and by Nicolas Jackson, who is also on the transfer market. Danny Welbeck, who signed in July from Brighton, is in contention to feature when Chelsea kicks off its Premier League campaign away to Fulham on Monday.

The No.9 has been worn by thirteen players who struggled to make a lasting impact, including club-record signings Fernando Torres and Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz. The jersey was famously worn by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who delivered great performances for the club, but the “curse of Khalid Boulahrouz” has haunted the number for years.

Managerial plans

Under newly hired manager Xabi Alonso, Pedro is set to be the first-choice striker for the season. Alonso’s decision comes after the departure of Delap and Jackson, leaving the forward line in need of a proven goal-scorer. Pedro’s 20-goal return in his first season gives him the pedigree to fill that role.

International omission

Despite his club success, Pedro was a surprise omission from the Brazil squad for the summer’s World Cup. The 24-year-old’s absence from the national team has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.

Looking ahead

With the contract secured until 2034, Pedro’s future at Chelsea looks stable. He will be wearing the No.9 shirt as the club looks to build on a strong start to the season, with the first Premier League match set for Monday against Fulham.