Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign has already proven a financial success, with Joao Pedro repaying his transfer fee through dazzling performances. In New Jersey, Pedro delivered two outstanding goals in his full debut to help defeat Fluminense and secure Chelsea a place in the final. The club’s total earnings from the tournament now stand around £82 million, and Pedro’s emergence offers a significant bonus — both sporting and financial.

Pedro’s display against Fluminense, the tournament’s surprise package, was exceptional. Removed after 60 minutes, he had already scored twice, showcasing composure, clinical finishing, and tactical intelligence. His second goal was particularly memorable, a fluid counter-attack move involving Cole Palmer’s resilience under pressure, an inch-perfect pass by Enzo Fernández, and a thunderous finish from Pedro that struck the underside of the bar before crossing the line — a goal reminiscent of great World Cup strikes.

His all-around contribution stood out, not just in attack but also defensively. A crucial first-half headed clearance in Chelsea’s box demonstrated his willingness to work for the team. In contrast to Nicolas Jackson, whose form and temperament have disappointed — including a dismissal against Flamengo — Pedro appears to offer Chelsea a much more reliable and dynamic option up front. With Liam Delap suspended, Pedro’s presence gave Chelsea a sharper attacking edge.

Questions remain over Jackson’s future. Despite flashes of quality, his inconsistency under pressure — including a poorly taken chance late in the Fluminense match — has led to doubts. His red card in the group stage may have marked a tipping point. The possibility of Noni Madueke moving to Arsenal is controversial, but Jackson’s departure would surprise few. Pedro’s arrival, therefore, appears timely and transformative.

Though Pedro did not celebrate his goals out of respect for Fluminense, where he began his career, the Chelsea supporters in America certainly did. His first strike came in the 18th minute after Pedro Neto’s cross was cleared to him on the left flank. Cutting inside, Pedro curled a beautiful shot past 45-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, giving Chelsea an early lead.

Pedro Neto, another standout performer, continued his strong form from the end of the Premier League season. His pace, aggression, and creativity unsettled Fluminense repeatedly in the first half. Though not guaranteed a starting role — given Chelsea’s famously deep and rotating squad — Neto’s status within the team has clearly improved.

While Chelsea often looked dominant, they also displayed familiar defensive lapses that allowed Fluminense, a far less resourced side, to threaten. Fluminense’s entire squad budget is comparable to Millwall’s, and their record signing Thiago Neves cost just £6 million back in 2012. On paper, Chelsea should win comfortably, but vulnerability remains — particularly in goal.

Robert Sanchez, Chelsea’s current first-choice goalkeeper, again looked shaky. In the 26th minute, he hesitated when Hercules and Germán Cano combined for Fluminense, allowing Hercules to squeeze the ball through his legs. Marc Cucurella’s quick recovery prevented an equalizer with a crucial goal-line clearance. However, Sanchez’s inconsistency has become a recurring problem. The verdict is clear: Chelsea need a better goalkeeper if they are to seriously challenge for major trophies.

Chelsea also had a stroke of luck with officiating. In the 34th minute, a Fluminense cross struck Trevoh Chalobah’s arm. Though it was by his side, the French referee, François Letexier, awarded a penalty, following current FIFA handball rules. Thankfully for Chelsea, the Colombian VAR official, Nicolás Gallo, advised a second look. Upon review, the penalty was overturned — to Fluminense’s clear frustration. Their players remonstrated with officials going into the break and again upon returning for the second half.

Despite some lingering quirks, Chelsea have taken full advantage of the competition’s structure. The tournament has boosted the club financially and provided an ideal platform to test new signings in competitive conditions. More than that, it has helped build team spirit and cohesion — both often lacking during the domestic season due to injuries and constant squad rotation.

There are few negatives to report, though a possible injury to Moises Caicedo late in the match may warrant concern. He appeared to twist his ankle on sticky turf and briefly continued before being withdrawn. Still, Chelsea departed the pitch in high spirits, buoyed by Pedro’s breakout performance and their progression to the Club World Cup final.

In all, Chelsea’s campaign has brought on-pitch success, tactical progress, and major financial rewards. Joao Pedro has arrived with impact, perhaps solving a long-standing problem up front. If the rest of the squad can match his sharpness and resolve, Chelsea may well be back on track toward becoming serious title contenders.

On the other hand, the likes of reigning champions Liverpool, consecutive runners-up Arsenal, and Manchester City, who triumphed six times in the last eight seasons, will obviously have a few things to say on the subject.

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