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Roy Keane has delivered a worrying verdict on Chelsea's new signing Pedro Neto. The Blues have secured a deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the Portuguese winger for seven years for a reported fee of £54 million.
Keane is skeptical of Neto's injury record and thinks he'd spend a lion's share of his time at Stamford Bridge on the treatment table. On the Stick to Football Podcast, Ian Wright suggested that Neto could add to Enzo Maresca's team's unpredictable attack and make them more chaotic for oppositions to deal with.
Keane, though, dismissed the notion, delivering a brutal verdict on the £54 million signing. The Manchester United legend said (via Chelsea News):
"He's always injured, he's like Shaw. He's going to add to the chaos. Run everywhere and six months on the treatment table, hamstring injury."
Pedro Neto joined Wolves in 2019 and has since shown his creative side. He scored 14 goals and provided 24 assists in 135 appearances for the Blues. Neto had an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign, but still managed three goals and 11 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
His fitness issues, though, are very concerning. He has suffered seven different injuries since his move to English football, missing 112 games for club and country. Hence, the Blues need to take care of Neto's fitness properly if they are to get the best out of their summer signing.
Pedro Neto reacts to Chelsea move
Pedro Neto, a Portugal international, has penned a seven-year deal with Chelsea and is set to begin his training. After plying his trade across top leagues, Neto is now at a club of massive size and following.
The winger has expressed his happiness after completing the transfer from Wolves. Neto also hinted that he's raring to grace the pitch for his new club.
Neto said (via the Blues' official website):
"I feel really grateful to have joined this club. I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I am looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt."
Chelsea have a diverse pool of wing players as apart from Neto, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, and Noni Madueke are also on the team. Thus, a starting place won't be automatic for Neto as he'd have to earn that status.
Enzo Maresca is looking to start a new chapter this season after the club parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. The Blues start their campaign against Manchester City on Sunday, August 19.
