Chelsea signed Brighton’s veteran striker Danny Welbeck in a deal worth a reported £5 million ($6.7 million) on Saturday. Welbeck agreed a two-year contract with the Blues and will link up with Xabi Alonso’s side on its pre-season tour.
The 35-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge is a break from Chelsea’s habit of signing younger players with the potential to be developed into stars or sold at a profit.
It is the first time Chelsea has paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 26 since it signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona in 2022, when the striker was 33.
“When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it’s something that fills you with such immense pride. Knowing the history of Chelsea, it’s a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season,” Welbeck said.
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“I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection. I’ve got that fire in my belly, and I’m ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea and the supporters proud,” he added.
New Chelsea manager Alonso was keen to add experience to his squad after last season’s disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
He opted for Welbeck after the former Manchester United and Arsenal forward enjoyed a memorable campaign with Brighton. Welbeck, who has 42 caps for England, scored 13 goals in 37 Premier League games last term after netting 10 times in 2024-25.
Welbeck is the latest player to arrive at the club after signing England forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in July and France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
Published on Aug 01, 2026