New recruit Joao Pedro could make his Chelsea debut as they face off against Brazilian side Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on Friday.
The 23-year-old Brazilian forward completed a transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £60 million ($79 million) on Wednesday, immediately joining Enzo Maresca’s squad for training in Miami.
The team has been gearing up for the tournament’s latter stages in the United States before travelling to Philadelphia on Thursday for their clash with the São Paulo club, Palmeiras.
“I’m incredibly excited to don the Chelsea colours, to compete for every title and tournament, and to feature in the Champions League. I hope to bring home as many trophies as we can,” Joao Pedro expressed on the club’s website after finalising an eight-year contract.
There’s the thrilling prospect that the newcomer could lift his first trophy within just ten days if Chelsea emerges victorious in FIFA’s lucrative new competition.
The London club triumphed over Palmeiras in the final of the previous Club World Cup held in Abu Dhabi in early 2022, although none of the players from that match remain with the squad.
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Chelsea underwent significant changes following that success, particularly with the arrival of new owners just months later, and Joao Pedro is the latest addition to the revamped squad.
Hailing from São Paulo, he is well acquainted with Palmeiras, who lifted the Copa Libertadores title in both 2020 and 2021.
Joao Pedro began his professional journey at Fluminense, who could potentially face him in the semi-finals of this tournament—Fluminense will battle Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in their quarter-final matchup.
Estevao to Face Future Teammates
Chelsea has already clashed with Brazilian opposition in Philadelphia during this tournament, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, which, however, did not hinder their advancement from the group stage.
Under Maresca’s guidance, they managed to overcome a lengthy weather delay to defeat Benfica 4-1 after extra time in Charlotte, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Joao Pedro will be eager to contribute to an attack that has already been boosted by Liam Delap, the former Ipswich Town striker who netted his first goal for the team in their 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance.
Another new attacker is set to join post-tournament, but teenage winger Estevao Willian will represent the opposition on Friday, in the city known for adopting the Declaration of Independence on the American Fourth of July holiday.
Concerns arose when Estevao, primarily playing on the right flank, was substituted by coach Abel Ferreira early in the second half during Palmeiras’ previous match, which they ultimately won against Botafogo in extra time.
Paulinho, who replaced him, scored the winning goal; however, he is currently nursing fitness issues and is not anticipated to start in the quarter-final.
This situation likely means that Estevao, regarded as Brazil’s most promising young talent, will be among the starting eleven for Palmeiras, who have been training in the very city where the match will take place.
Utilising the training facilities of the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, Palmeiras are hoping to capture some of the NFL team’s winning spirit.
“The coach has been emphasising this target since the start of the season,” Palmeiras defender Bruno Fuchs remarked about their ambitions in the Club World Cup.
“We have a dream, and dreaming doesn’t cost a thing,” he added.
Palmeiras do face their own challenges, though, with centre-back and captain Gustavo Gomez suspended alongside left-back Joaquin Piquerez.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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