Barcelona sporting director Deco has identified Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as a primary successor to Robert Lewandowski, leading former Blues winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to suggest the 24-year-old should force an exit from Stamford Bridge. Despite only arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2025 for a total package of £60 million, the forward is reportedly being monitored by the Catalan club following a prolific individual campaign set against Chelsea’s stark collective decline. While some reports have misattributed the desire for a move to the player himself, the Brazilian remains tied to an eight-year contract that runs until at least June 2032.
Chelsea’s sporting crisis triggers exit talk
Chelsea’s current situation has made them vulnerable to interest from Europe’s elite despite their heavy investment in the squad. Under the recent management of Liam Rosenior—who was dismissed during a run that has seen the club fall to 9th in the Premier League—Chelsea have suffered six consecutive league defeats. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Wright-Phillips argued that Pedro "deserves to be playing in the Champions League" and advised that "if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer." Pedro has been the lone bright spot in a dysfunctional attack, scoring 20 goals across all competitions this season, including 15 in the Premier League, nearly tripling the output of his teammates.
Strategic hurdles for Barcelona and Deco
Barcelona’s interest is tactical, as Deco seeks a mobile, high-pressing forward to replace the ageing Lewandowski. Reports in Spain suggest the La Liga giants are prepared to utilize a similar negotiation blueprint to the one used for Raphinha, though Chelsea’s financial position provides a significant obstacle. Unlike clubs under immediate PSR pressure to sell assets before June 30, Chelsea’s £60 million investment in Pedro just ten months ago means any deal would likely require a fee exceeding €80 million to avoid a book loss. Furthermore, Pedro’s £150,000-a-week wages and seven remaining years on his contract give the London club total leverage, making a summer departure difficult unless the player chooses to formally submit a transfer request.
The forward will likely wait for Chelsea to appoint a permanent managerial successor before deciding whether to push for a move to the Nou Camp.