Danny Welbeck joins Chelsea from Brighton on two-year deal

Chelsea signed former England striker Danny Welbeck from Premier League rival Brighton on Saturday (August 1, 2026), the club announced, with the 35-year-old agreeing a two-year contract.

Welbeck has been capped 42 times by England. He began his career at Manchester United and spent five years with Arsenal. He joined Brighton from Watford in 2020. He has made 400 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea continued its off-season recruitment drive by adding Welbeck to the squad. No fee was disclosed for the transfer. He joins fellow new signings Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda at Stamford Bridge.

Welbeck said after signing a two-year deal. “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. "I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. 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.”

Welbeck will head straight for Hong Kong to join head coach Xabi Alonso and his new team-mates on the club’s pre-season tour. He also has Champions League experience and has been part of two World Cup campaigns.