Chelsea are preparing to reward Joao Pedro with improved contract terms after the Brazil forward’s impressive first season at the club, while interest from Barcelona has increased the pressure to secure his long-term future.
The 24-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton last summer in a deal worth more than £50m. He signed a seven-year contract that runs until 2032, but sources have told The Athletic that the club is now considering an enhanced package for the forward.
The move comes after Joao Pedro emerged as a player admired by Barcelona. The Athletic reported in June that the Spanish club had shown interest, while Chelsea had also become aware of attention from other sides.
As a result, Chelsea have classified Joao Pedro as one of their players who are not available for transfer this summer. Improving his existing agreement would underline the club’s intention to retain him, despite the length of the contract he signed when he arrived from Brighton.
Joao Pedro is not expected to be the only Chelsea player to agree fresh terms in the coming weeks. However, his form has made him a particularly important part of the club’s plans.
He scored 23 goals and supplied nine assists in 53 appearances during his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice option in attack. The Athletic also named him Chelsea’s player of the season.
Speaking to Chelsea in April, Joao Pedro described the campaign as one of the best of his career.
“I’m very happy. I think it was one of the best seasons of my life. I think the expectations people had of me were high, so I always try to keep my mindset moving forward to help my team-mates,” he said.
The forward has also made eight appearances for Brazil. Despite his progress at club level, he was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Joao Pedro provided another reminder of his attacking threat during Chelsea’s pre-season victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on 28 July. He scored a hat-trick in nine minutes as Chelsea won 6-4.
His goalscoring record, contribution to the team and growing profile have all strengthened his position at Chelsea since joining from Brighton. The club’s decision to consider improved terms follows a debut season in which he quickly became a central figure in attack, while Barcelona’s interest has added to the importance of protecting the Brazilian’s place in the squad.
