Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Danny Welbeck, with the 35-year-old striker set to join the club on a two-year contract. Jordan Henderson, 36, is also nearing a move to Stamford Bridge after cancelling his contract with Brentford.
Chelsea Adds Experience with Welbeck Signing
Welbeck has been given permission by Brighton to conduct a medical at Stamford Bridge, with a fee for the striker agreed but remaining undisclosed. The deal is part of new manager Xabi Alonso's drive to add experience to Chelsea's squad, which has been the youngest in the Premier League for the past two seasons. Chelsea's focus on youth has been viewed as a factor in their inability to challenge consistently for major honours.
Welbeck, formerly of Manchester United and Arsenal, has hit 90 goals in 400 top-flight appearances – and is the leading Premier League scorer at Brighton, who he joined on a free transfer from Watford in 2021. His arrival would leave Chelsea with six senior strikers on their books, with others available for loan or sale.
Henderson's Move to Chelsea Nears Completion
Henderson, 36, was under contract with Brentford until 2027 but has cancelled his deal to enable a move to Stamford Bridge. The England midfielder was selected by Thomas Tuchel as part of England's leadership group at this summer's World Cup, but fractured his arm and wrist after landing awkwardly while jumping over an advertising hoarding during the celebrations following England's last-16 victory over Mexico.
Henderson joined Brentford last summer after spells abroad with Dutch side Ajax and Saudi club Al Ettifaq, following a hugely successful spell at Liverpool, where he won six major honours, including the Champions League and Premier League. He made 34 appearances for the Bees across all competitions, with the club finishing ninth in the Premier League.
Xabi Alonso's Recruitment Drive
Xabi Alonso's drive to add experience to Chelsea's squad is a significant shift from the club's previous focus on youth. Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali said their recruitment model needed a "tweak" towards the end of last season's disappointing campaign, when they finished 10th and won nothing. Since then, Chelsea have made an offer to reunite Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 34, with Alonso – they won the Bundesliga title together at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.
They have also signed 26-year-old centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace on a six-year contract, pending an official announcement, while talks continue over Henderson. Morgan Rogers, who signed for a club-record £117m from Aston Villa earlier this month, is relatively experienced, despite having just turned 24. The club have also signed 21-year-old full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
What's Next for Chelsea
The signings of Welbeck and potentially Henderson will add significant experience and seniority to Chelsea's squad. The club has brought in Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha from sister club Strasbourg this summer, and he could remain part of the squad. Among those who could leave on either a permanent deal or loan are Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu.
Source: Joy Online
