Danny Welbeck is on the verge of leaving Brighton & Hove Albion to join Chelsea, according to reports, with the veteran striker’s move to Stamford Bridge expected to be finalised imminently. The 35-year-old is understood to have flown home from the Seagulls’ pre-season camp in Austria to complete the switch, having been granted permission to hold a medical.
It is a significant blow for the Albion. Welbeck was the club’s top scorer last season and has been a mainstay since arriving from Watford in 2020. Chelsea have agreed a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, according to The Argus, leaving Fabian Hürzeler light up front just as Brighton prepare for a Conference League campaign. With Stefanos Tzimas still working through his rehabilitation at Lancing and Evan Ferguson recovering from an ankle problem, the Seagulls are expected to explore the market for a new forward.
What Danny Welbeck leaves behind
Welbeck’s value went well beyond his goals. Speaking last year about his role in the dressing room, he said:
I think for me it’s natural to help people. I’ve had a really good upbringing from my parents and it is instilled in me to help others around you. It’s only natural for me to help the younger players and everyone else around me in these situations.
Now the club believe 19-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas is ready to seize his chance, the Greek having scored twice in the opening friendly against Wycombe. He will get another audition when Brighton face Strasbourg on Saturday. Even so, expect the Albion to keep hunting, with supporters long aware of why Brighton need a new striker this summer.
