Barcelona’s hopes of signing Joao Pedro as a potential alternative to Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez have suffered a setback after Chelsea extended the Brazilian striker’s contract until 2034.
Chelsea confirmed the new agreement on Saturday through the club’s official website, underlining their determination to keep a player who has made an immediate 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 as the Catalan club planned for the possibility of failing to sign Alvarez. His new long-term deal, however, appears to have closed off another potential route for Barcelona in their search for a centre-forward.
The 24-year-old quickly established himself at Chelsea after his move from Brighton & Hove Albion. He scored in both the semi-final and final of the FIFA Club World Cup, helping the English side win the global competition.
Joao Pedro scored twice against his former club Fluminense in the semi-final to send Chelsea into the final, before finding the net against Paris Saint-Germain in the title match. Those performances helped him make a decisive contribution to Chelsea’s triumph.
He continued his strong form during his first full season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals in all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign.
That total included Chelsea’s first goal of the season, scored away against West Ham United. He later scored the only goal in Chelsea’s victory at Tottenham Hotspur, while he also scored twice as his side defeated Napoli in the Champions League.
Joao Pedro’s performances earned him Chelsea’s Player of the Season award after he received overwhelming support in the club’s fan vote.
“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 long 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 from the moment I joined.”
He added: “Everyone is very excited for 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.”
Chelsea’s decision to secure the forward until 2034 reflects the importance he has assumed in the team after only one full season at the club. His goals in domestic and European competition, together with his decisive contribution to the FIFA Club World Cup victory, have made him a key part of Chelsea’s plans.
For Barcelona, the announcement removes one of the names reportedly under consideration by Deco as the club evaluates attacking options. The Catalan side’s interest in Joao Pedro had been linked to the possibility that a deal for Julian Alvarez might not be completed, but Chelsea’s new agreement has now complicated that alternative.
