Barcelona withdraw Joao Pedro pursuit as Chelsea block sale
Chelsea declare Brazilian attacker untouchable, compounding recruitment challenges for the Catalan club ahead of the transfer window deadline.
Barcelona have formally abandoned their pursuit of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro after Chelsea declared the player untouchable and refused to entertain any offers during the current transfer window. The decision marks a significant setback for the Catalan club’s recruitment strategy, with sporting director Deco now facing a narrowed field of viable forward options.
According to reports from Diario Sport, Chelsea view Pedro as a central figure in their project for both the present and the future. The London club has no intention of opening negotiations for his departure, a stance reinforced by his successful integration into the squad following his €50 million move from Brighton in 2025. New Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso is a firm admirer of the Brazilian, describing him as a complete and versatile attacker whose movement and adaptability align with his tactical vision.
The rejection of Barcelona’s interest in Pedro follows a similar development regarding Julian Alvarez. Earlier in the day, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly declared the Argentine striker non-transferable. This dual loss leaves Deco with significantly fewer alternatives as the club seeks to address its attacking needs before the window closes.
Barcelona’s recruitment difficulties are compounded by recent contract decisions and potential departures. The club opted not to renew the contract of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, while Ferran Torres remains in the final year of his deal and could yet depart for Paris Saint-Germain. The potential exit of Torres would leave the squad, under manager Hansi Flick, notably light in attack.
Despite the mounting pressure, Barcelona continue to monitor the situation regarding Alvarez, though president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the transfer saga cannot continue indefinitely. Meanwhile, Chelsea have signalled their own active stance in the market, recently agreeing a club-record £117m deal for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, further highlighting their intent to build around existing assets rather than sell.
