Joao Pedro expects Danny Welbeck to be a major influence after Chelsea move

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro believes Danny Welbeck will strengthen the club both on and off the pitch after completing his surprise move from Brighton.

The former England striker joined Chelsea at the beginning of the month after the London club reached an agreement with Brighton. Welbeck signed a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge, returning to a club where he will work with Pedro for a third time.

Neither club has confirmed the transfer fee, although Chelsea are believed to have paid Brighton about £7m for the 35-year-old. Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last season.

Pedro, who is Brazilian, first encountered Welbeck when the forward was at Watford and the younger player arrived in England in 2020. The pair later played together at Brighton, where Welbeck helped Pedro adapt to life and football in a new country.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website from the club’s pre-season training camp, Pedro explained the importance of their relationship.

“Personally, Danny is a very important person to me in life.”

He added, as reported by the English newspaper Metro: “When I came to England, I didn’t speak English, but he was always trying to be around me to support me and help me develop.”

Pedro says Welbeck’s influence was not limited to his own development and expects the striker to have a similar effect on the wider Chelsea squad.

“This will be the third time we play together, and I think, as he did with me in the past, he will provide support to everyone in the team.”

He added: “Danny is this guy; he is very supportive and wants the best for everyone around him and the team.”

Welbeck began his professional career at Manchester United before also spending a period with Arsenal. His move to Chelsea represents a return to London and another chapter in a career that has included spells with several Premier League clubs.

Although Chelsea’s deal for an experienced forward was unexpected, Pedro believes Welbeck’s qualities will make him a valuable addition to the squad.

“Everyone knows he is a top-class player. I am looking forward to playing alongside him again, and I think he will be a valuable addition to the team.”

Welbeck’s arrival means Pedro will once more share a dressing room with a player who supported him during his early years in English football. The Brazilian’s comments underline the personal connection between the two forwards, as well as his belief that Welbeck can contribute to Chelsea’s team away from match action.

The move was completed after Welbeck’s productive season at Brighton, where his 13 Premier League goals helped make him one of the club’s notable attacking players. Chelsea have now secured his services on a two-year agreement, with Pedro looking forward to renewing a partnership that began with Watford and continued at Brighton.