Liverpool arguably made the biggest signing of the 2025 summer transfer window, agreeing a deal with Newcastle United for Alexander Isak after a long-drawn saga. The Swede is most probably the best striker in the Premier League, joining the defending champions. It is hard to imagine it getting any better. Yet, Pat Nevin seems to believe that Chelsea have pulled off a better deal this summer.
Chelsea were not as active as Liverpool or Arsenal in the recent summer transfer window. They had to keep within financial constraints, having been handed a UEFA ban not too long ago.
One of the signings that they did make was bringing in Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion. A lot of fans raised their eyebrows at the signing of a striker with just 10 goals last season but the Brazilian is already starting to establish himself as a key part of this team. He was instrumental in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph, scoring a brace in the semis and once in the final. He has two goals and two assists in the first three Premier League games in this campaign, while also scoring in both pre-season friendlies.
And Nevin appears to believe that it might be a better deal than Isak's one to Liverpool. As reported by the Mirror:
"The club have brought Joao Pedro in for half the price of Isak. Is Isak really twice the player that Joao Pedro is? I don't think so.
"He's a fabulous player, he's probably better than Joao Pedro at the moment, but if you're looking at smart money, then Chelsea have got the better deal."
Chelsea have made better signing than Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Well, we need to give it a bit more time before coming to any conclusions. Pedro has been fantastic so far for Chelsea. Now the important thing is that he continues to perform at this level.
If Pedro can do that, Chelsea have a world-class player on their hands. And it is not just about his goals or assists, the Brazilian's overall game has been very impressive as well. In many ways, he is the perfect modern striker.
As for Isak, it remains to be seen how he does at Liverpool. Obviously, he was phenomenal at Newcastle United but the expectations will be much different at Anfield, especially after the transfer fee it has taken to land his signature.