The transaction is completed. Chelsea terminates contract with former United star

Chelsea FC have finalized the signing of England striker Danny Welbeck, the former Manchester United star and current Brighton player, in a surprise deal that reflects the London club’s approach under new manager Xabi Alonso to expand their attacking options with fresh experience in the English Premier League.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed through his social media that an agreement has been reached with Chelsea and Brighton, as well as the player, stating that Welbeck will sign a 2-year contract with the London club, subject to a medical in the near future to prepare for the completion of the deal and to officially announce it.

Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing Welbeck in the past few days, following the good performances the 35-year-old striker has put in for Brighton after he scored 10 goals in 30 Premier League games in the 2024/25 campaign, before continuing his run of form with 132 goals in 13 seasons.

Welbeck’s potential move to Chelsea comes at a time when the squad includes a pack of attacking options led by Marc Guyot, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Joao Pedro, but the club’s management see the former Manchester United striker’s experience as an important addition to the squad.

The deal also shows that Chelsea are set to reshuffle their cards in attack amid the possibility of a number of their strikers leaving, including 23-year-old Dutchman Emmanuel Emiga, who joined the club for €25m, although his contract with the Blues runs until 2033.