Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has confirmed that Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to sign a new long-term contract at the club following substantial transfer speculation.

The Portugal international was heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit over the summer and it was widely reported that a sale would have been sanctioned if the Blues had received an offer worth around €100 million.

Liverpool were among the clubs keeping close tabs on Neto’s situation in west London, however they ultimately decided against lodging an approach after signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, and the 26-year-old remained at Chelsea.

Despite significant rumours suggesting that Chelsea were open to selling Neto before Transfer Deadline Day, the Portugal winger signed a new six-year contract at the club in mid-September and he has been a key player for the Blues so far this term.

Neto has been included in the starting XI in six of Chelsea’s seven Premier League matches in 2026-27, mostly from a right wing-back berth, and he scored both goals during a vital 2-0 win over Everton last weekend.

Now, the 26-year-old has revealed that Alonso played a major role in his decision to remain with the two-time Champions League winners, rather than seriously pursue an exit over the summer.

Pedro Neto makes Chelsea admission

“I think the biggest point was the manager,” Neto told The Times when asked about his decision to extend his Chelsea contract until 2032.

“He talked to me and explained what he wanted. He made sure that I felt like I was wanted by him. Then the owner [Behdad Eghbali], as well, made sure that I was happy here.

“I was really happy that we could agree [the contract]. When you feel like you are appreciated, you always feel like home. That was the feeling that I had.”

Neto then revealed the impact his fiancee Carolina had on him during a summer of transfer speculation.

“She has been the base of emotional control,” the Chelsea winger admitted.

“Maybe in the transfer window I was a little bit crazy, because I wanted to solve things here. She helped me a lot. We feel like home here.”

Neto has made 112 first-team appearances for Chelsea to date, scoring 23 goals and providing 20 assists, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €60.6m.