Chelsea announce Pedro Neto signing during half-time of Inter friendly
- Pedro Neto joins Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers in £54m transfer
- Winger has impressed in the Premier League
- Injury record may be a source of concern for fans
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Pedro from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Blues announced the deal, believed to worth around £54m – inclusive of add-ons, during half-time of their pre-season friendly against Inter at Stamford Bridge.
"I feel really grateful to have joined this club," Neto said. "I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I'm looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt."
The 24-year-old started his senior career at Braga and spent two years on loan at Lazio from the age of 17. But it was a 2019 transfer to Wolves whilst still a teenager that launched him forward. Neto made 135 appearances for the West Midlands side, helping them finish seventh in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League during his debut year.
Neto would've played more, if it wasn't for a long-term knee injury and several other significant layoffs. He overcame a hamstring problem at the very end of last season, in time to be selected for Portugal's Euro 2024 squad over the summer.
The player is Chelsea's ninth new signing of the summer and, at 24, is towards the older end of the age profile that the club's sporting department has primarily targeted.
Neto is set to begin training with his new teammates in the coming days and could therefore be in contention to play when the Blues open their 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting champions Manchester City on 18 August.
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