Chelsea tie Joao Pedro to 2034 as Barcelona lose another option for striker search

Chelsea have extended Joao Pedro’s contract until 2034, dealing Barcelona another setback as they consider alternatives in case they fail to sign Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

The new agreement was confirmed by Chelsea on Saturday and underlines the club’s determination to retain the Brazil international, who has made a rapid impact since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2025.

Joao Pedro had been reported as one of the attacking options being considered by Barcelona sporting director Deco. The Catalan club are assessing possible additions at centre-forward while preparing for the possibility that a move for Alvarez does not materialise.

The 24-year-old forward scored in both the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup soon after joining Chelsea, helping the English club win the global competition.

He continued that form during his first full season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals in all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign. His performances earned him Chelsea’s player of the season award after he received overwhelming support in a vote by the club’s supporters.

“I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. I have always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to commit to this club for the long term. Chelsea have a great history of winning, and they have big ambitions for the future,” Joao Pedro said.

“I have a very good relationship with everyone here at the club, and I have felt at home here in London since the moment I joined.”

He added: “Everyone is very excited about this season. We know we can achieve a lot of things, we have a great team, and we have a manager who wants to win and has won before. I am fully committed, everyone is ready, and hopefully we can achieve our goals.”

Joao Pedro made an immediate impression after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion. He scored twice against former club Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final to send Chelsea through to the final, where he also found the net against Paris Saint-Germain as Chelsea secured the trophy.

His goalscoring contribution continued into the following season. He scored Chelsea’s first goal of the 2025-26 campaign in an away match against West Ham United and later struck the only goal in a victory away to Tottenham Hotspur.

The forward also made his mark in Europe, scoring twice in Chelsea’s win over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League.

Joao Pedro ended the campaign with 20 goals for Chelsea and was comfortably voted the club’s player of the season. His long-term renewal now removes one of Barcelona’s reported attacking targets as they continue to plan for the new season.