Daniel Sturridge believes Chelsea pulled off one of the most ‘underrated’ signing of the summer transfer window.
The Blues spent another £300m this summer, strengthening Enzo Maresca’s squad with ten new signings.
Chelsea enjoyed a promising first season under Maresca, qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Europa Conference League.
The west Londoners also impressed in the off-season, winning the Club World Cup ahead of the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
That momentum has carried on into the new season, with Chelsea taking seven points from their first three games to sit second in the Premier League table behind early leaders Liverpool.
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Chelsea summer signing Joao Pedro has enjoyed a bright start to the campaign and ex-England striker Sturridge has named him as the most ‘underrated signing of the summer’.
Pedro, who completed a £60m move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton, scored three goals in three Club World Cup games and already has two league goals this season.
‘I just love the signing of Joao Pedro,’ Sturridge told NOW’s TikTok channel. ‘He’s someone who I think will score a lot of goals for Chelsea, a lot.’
Fellow former England star Michael Dawson, meanwhile, has named new Chelsea striker Liam Delap as one of the signings of the summer.
Chelsea activated a £30m release clause to sign Delap from Ipswich Town ahead of Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Chelsea summer signings
- Liam Delap
- Dario Essugo
- Estevao Willian
- Jamie Gittens
- Jorrel Hato
- Joao Pedro
- Kendry Paez
- Mike Penders
- Mamadou Sarr
- Kian Best
- Jesse Derry
- Facundo Buonanotte (loan)
‘I’m not sure I would say he’s underrated but the price for Liam Delap was really good,’ Dawson added. ‘I’m a big, big fan of him.
‘When you look at the money some strikers are going for, I like that deal. You’re getting a top footballer for £30m.’
Pedro was on target in Chelsea’s win over Fulham before the international break and said afterwards he was ‘very happy’ with the start he has made in west London.
‘I am very happy but I think I need to keep working hard to help this team,’ the Brazilian said. ‘I need to improve every day to keep what I am doing.
‘Now is a break and I go to the Brazil squad. I need to keep working hard.’
Chelsea, currently two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, return to action after the international break against another London rival, Brentford.
New signings Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte could make their Chelsea debuts following their respective moves from Manchester United and Brighton.
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