Chelsea has finalized a £54 million transfer deal to sign Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The deal includes an initial payment of £51.4 million, with an additional £2.6 million in potential add-ons. Neto has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues.
The 24-year-old Portuguese winger was introduced during halftime of Chelsea’s recent pre-season friendly against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. “I feel really grateful to have joined this club,” Neto expressed. “I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch in this shirt.”
In a statement, Wolves described the transfer as “the right deal at the right time” and mentioned that they are actively working on options to replace Neto after his departure.
Having scored three goals and provided 11 assists last season, Neto, who was also a target for Tottenham this summer, demonstrated impressive form despite enduring two hamstring injuries that sidelined him for three months.
With 10 caps for Portugal and a place in their Euro 2024 squad, Neto joins Chelsea’s arsenal of wide options that include Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Raheem Sterling. This transfer marks Chelsea’s 10th signing of the summer, enhancing Enzo Maresca’s squad alongside new additions like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Aaron Anselmino, Renato Veiga, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Additionally, Chelsea has secured a deal for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, set to arrive next summer, and are in talks to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion for £34.5 million, with midfielder Conor Gallagher moving in the opposite direction for £36 million.
Why Chelsea Signed Neto
For Maresca, building Chelsea in a style similar to that of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal made Neto a necessary signing. Both top coaches rely on wingers who excel in one-on-one situations, such as Bukayo Saka, Jeremy Doku, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jack Grealish. Despite his injury struggles at Wolves, Neto has proven to be one of the most effective attacking wingers in the Premier League.
“Garry O’Neil wanted Neto to take risks,” he said last season. “Don’t turn it down; let’s go every single time. Don’t care if you lose it; just test him.” Neto embraced that directive and consistently engaged in individual battles on the pitch, contributing significantly to his team’s attacking efforts.
With the ability to play effectively on either flank, Neto’s arrival complements Chelsea’s array of wingers, including Mudryk, Madueke, and Sterling, as they aim to implement Maresca’s aggressive style of play this season.
Credit: Sky Sports
