‘Liverpool were interested’ – CEO claims Reds were ‘offered’ chance to sign Chelsea ace in summer

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Earlier in 2025, Liverpool were given the opportunity to sign Brighton’s star forward João Pedro, but ultimately passed on the chance as they pursued other transfer targets. According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, Brighton’s CEO Paul Barber indicated Liverpool’s interest to other clubs, potentially to drive up Pedro’s market value before his eventual transfer to Chelsea[4].

João Pedro, a 23-year-old Brazilian forward currently at Chelsea, had been a highly sought-after player in the Premier League. Liverpool had been tracking him as a potential reinforcement for their attacking options due to concerns over Darwin Núñez's form. Brighton valued Pedro at around £60 million, more than double their original £30 million outlay when signing him from Watford[1].

Despite Liverpool's initial interest, Brighton’s tough negotiation stance made a January move unlikely, shifting any potential transfer talk toward the summer of 2025. This eventually paved the way for Chelsea to sign Pedro, who joined Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, giving Chelsea a versatile forward line. Pedro is noted for his playing style, which draws frequent comparisons to former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, being as much a playmaker as a goal scorer. Chelsea’s acquisition of Pedro marked a significant shift in their transfer strategy with the addition of multiple natural strikers to bolster their attack[2][3][5].

Liverpool's decision to prioritize other targets like Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak reflects their methodical approach to transfer planning, emphasizing strategic acquisitions over impulse buys. This example highlights Liverpool’s broader transfer policy of early long-term planning and selective recruitment to strengthen their squad effectively[4].

PP