‘Here we go’. The three words Brighton fans have been dreading after days of rumours swirling around top goalscorer Danny Welbeck.
Those rumours have resulted in a £7 million transfer to Chelsea, in a deal that lasts until 2028.
It’s a deal that is part of Xabi Alonso’s plan to add more role models and experienced heads to the Chelsea squad. 36-year-old Jordan Henderson is also set to join the Blues.
Plenty of Albion players have jumped ship to Stamford Bridge in recent years, but this move feels the most detrimental.
Brighton can – and have – replaced the likes of Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and even Moises Caicedo, but finding another experienced and Premier League-proven striker – who guarantees double digits in front of goal – is a different kettle of fish.
Tony Bloom and Co are infamous for their savvy business in the transfer market, but you can’t help but feel that even Jamestown Analytics’ algorithm will struggle to find a player who can fill Welbeck’s boots.
The 35-year-old scored 13 Premier League goals for Brighton last season, the majority of which were equalisers or match winners, earning the Seagulls a total of 12 points. Without those points, Brighton would have finished equal on points with Tottenham, just two points above relegated West Ham.
Where is the replacement?
Fabian Hurzeler’s attacking options consist of 19-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas, who played just 353 minutes in the league last season; Stefanos Tzimas, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury; and Evan Ferguson, who has struggled to find form since his breakout season three years ago.
There are no options. Not of Welbeck’s calibre.
A large contingent of Seagulls supporters insist this move tarnishes Welbeck’s Brighton legacy. After six years of service, 201 appearances and 51 goals, this is simply not true.
Welbeck is a Brighton legend. He’s come up with the goods time and time again. Last season especially, Brighton have him largely to thank for their European qualification.
There have been moments over the last six years where the Englishman has single-handedly dragged the Albion through games.
Additionally, he has played an invaluable role in mentoring the likes of Jack Hinshelwood and Joao Pedro.
While it is immensely disappointing to lose Welbeck – and to Chelsea, again – you must understand the move from his perspective.
Welbeck’s career resurgence
At 29, Welbeck was written off at Watford and subsequently joined Premier League newbies Brighton with no real expectation from either party.
Since that move in October 2020, he’s revived his career and, at 35 years old, Welbeck has been offered a move to one of the biggest clubs in the country.
Many fans’ frustration stems from an interview that took place after Brighton’s 3-0 win over Chelsea, where Welbeck spoke about the ‘fierce rivalry’ between the two sides.
He said: “We feel it as a group in the dressing room. There have been a lot of goings-on between the two clubs and a lot of stuff has happened. It all stems from the fans; they produce that amazing atmosphere.
“When it comes to the pitch we just want to make it a really good game, a really good rivalry, fierce. And we want to fight right to the end with them.”
Three months later, Welbeck is set to become the seventh player in four years to make a permanent switch from the south coast to West London. He won’t have to wait very long for a reunion either, as Brighton visit Chelsea on the final weekend of August.
The 3000 travelling Albion supporters will surely arrive in the capital with a bitter taste in their mouth, and the memory of Welbeck’s brace at the Bridge last time out.
All of those fans will have just one question on their mind:
‘Why Chelsea?’
The tactics – watch now on YouTube
Written by Isabelle Martin
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