Danny Welbeck has promised to give his all for Chelsea after the club officially confirmed his transfer from Brighton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The experienced forward has put pen to paper on a two-year contract, making him the first player older than 26 that Chelsea have paid a transfer fee for since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the club in 2022.
At 35, Welbeck is set to join Chelsea’s pre-season squad immediately, with his arrival announced just hours after the Blues suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Sydney Super Cup.
The striker heads to west London after helping Brighton secure an eighth-place Premier League finish, which earned the Seagulls a place in the Conference League qualifying rounds.
During the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, Welbeck netted 13 goals, matching Glenn Murray’s 2018-19 record for the highest goal tally by a Brighton player in a single top-flight season.
His 14 goal contributions also equalled his best return in a Premier League season, matching his 2024-25 campaign. Among English players, only Ollie Watkins (16), Morgan Gibbs-White (15) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (14) scored more league goals than Welbeck last season.
“When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it’s something that fills you with such immense pride,” Welbeck told the club’s website.
“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 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 everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.”
Welbeck’s arrival could also mark the first time Chelsea field a player over the age of 30 since Thiago Silva made his final appearance for the club more than two years ago.
Reports have also linked former Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who departed the club last month, with a move to Chelsea as the Blues continue to add experienced players to their squad.
Welbeck joins Chelsea boasting an impressive Premier League résumé, having featured in 400 matches in the competition. Chelsea have not had a player with at least 400 top-flight appearances represent them in the Premier League since John Terry’s 492nd and final league outing in May 2017.
Across his spell with Brighton, Welbeck played 201 matches in all competitions, scoring 51 goals while registering 13 assists. He also leaves as Brighton’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 46 goals.
“It’s always sad to see a player and a person of Danny’s stature leave, and we are all sorry to see him go,” Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said of Welbeck’s exit.
“Danny has been a pleasure to work with from the moment I arrived at the club. His professionalism, attitude and commitment set the standard here every day, and he has been a fantastic support to me, personally.
“As well as the quality he brought on the pitch, he was an important leader within the squad and a role model for our younger players.
“We are grateful for everything he has done for the club and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Welbeck may make his first appearance for Chelsea in next Wednesday’s pre-season clash against Juventus. The Blues will also take on AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim before kicking off their Premier League season with an away fixture against London rivals Fulham on August 24.
