Chelsea Secure Contract with Brazilian Starlet Pedro Lima
Chelsea have successfully negotiated a contract with 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Pedro Lima, beating Real Madrid in the race to sign the full-back from Sport Recife. Real Madrid viewed Lima as a potential long-term successor to Dani Carvajal on the right flank. However, Chelsea’s pursuit of top South American talent has brought the deal for Lima to an advanced stage.
Loan Move to Strasbourg Expected
It is anticipated that Lima will join Strasbourg on loan immediately after signing. This French club, in which Todd Boehly’s consortium acquired a majority stake last year, previously took Chelsea youngsters Andrey Santos and Angelo on loan. A similar arrangement is expected for Lima. Renato Guimarães, Lima’s manager, told Globo Esporte that his client has agreed to a salary package with Chelsea, although “there are still some clauses in the contract to be defined, some bonuses.”
Chelsea’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive
Chelsea are reportedly paying an initial fee of £6.7 million for Lima. This move aligns with Chelsea’s broader strategy to recruit promising South American talent. Last month, the club agreed on a deal worth an initial £29 million with Palmeiras to sign Estevao Willian, who is set to join Stamford Bridge in 2025. Additionally, the club signed Angelo and Deivid Washington last summer.
In other news, Tosin Adarabioyo became Chelsea’s first signing of the summer, moving from Fulham on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca’s side is reportedly considering a move for Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid having already made an approach that was swiftly rejected by the Premier League champions.
