Danny Welbeck completes move to Chelsea
By Luke Oluoch, August 1, 2026Danny Welbeck has sealed a move to Premier League side Chelsea FC after signing a contract until 2028. The Blues announced the deal on Saturday, August 1, 2026, moments after the veteran striker’s farewell message from Brighton & Hove Albion came through.
“Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Danny Welbeck from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion,” the club statement read. “The striker, who has been capped 42 times by England, has signed a contract until 2028 and will join up with Xabi Alonso’s squad during our pre-season tour.”
In his first words as a Chelsea player, the former Arsenal and Manchester United academy graduate relished the chance to play for the Blues, describing it as an honour and praising Xabi Alonso’s side as a club driven to compete at the highest level every season:
“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 have 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.”
Read: Danny Welbeck: Numbers behind Chelsea’s chase for the proven target man
Wealth of Premier League experience
Welbeck arrives at Stamford Bridge with over 400 Premier League appearances to his name, along with extensive experience in the UEFA Champions League and two FIFA World Cups with England.
He began his senior career at Manchester United, establishing himself under Sir Alex Ferguson to win the Premier League, two League Cups, the Community Shield, and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.
Defying age at 35
The 35-year-old later moved to Arsenal in September 2014, spending five seasons in North London, where he scored 32 goals in 126 appearances and lifted the FA Cup, before spending time at Watford and Brighton.
At Brighton, Welbeck scored a career-high 13 Premier League goals last season as Brighton finished eighth to qualify for the UEFA Conference League. The Blues have already acquired Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a British transfer record, while Alejandro Garnacho left the club in an opposite move, albeit on loan.