Danny Welbeck comments on Brighton vs Chelsea rivalry resurface before transfer
Chelsea are advancing in talks to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck in a shock move that would see Xabi Alonso add some vital experience to his squad
Danny Welbeck could swap Brighton for Chelsea in a shock transfer deal
Danny Welbeck looks set to become the latest player to swap Brighton for Chelsea as the Blues look to close a deal with the Seagulls for the veteran striker.Xabi Alonso is keen to add more experience to his young squad as he seeks to fire the west London club back into the Champions League following an underwhelming campaign under Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane.Welbeck, who netted twice in three top-flight matches against the Blues last term, is well aware of the ‘rivalry’ between the two sides given Chelsea have snapped up 15 players or staff from Brighton since 2022 for a total in the region of £289.2million.Subject to whatever fee is eventually agreed, that figure could yet reach £300m by the time Welbeck puts pen to paper at Stamford Bridge.
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Back in February 2025, Welbeck was asked about the “friction” between the two Premier League sides following a 3-0 win over Chelsea.
Jamie Carragher said during a post-match Sky Sports interview: “It almost feels like there’s a rivalry between Brighton and Chelsea, I felt like I could feel it in the stands.
“I spoke to Jason Steele before the game and he mentioned it – that there’s that little bit of friction. Understandably so because of what happened with Graham Potter, players going there, taking the recruitment staff. Is there something extra when Chelsea come to town?”
To which Welbeck replied: “You know we feel it as a group and a dressing room, the fans, they obviously produce that atmosphere.
“There’s been a lot of ongoing 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 until the end with them.”
In addition to their swoop for Welbeck, Chelsea are also exploring a move for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.
One Brighton fan, @MwepuMagic on social media platform X, shared their disappointment that the 35-year-old is open to the move given the tension.
They wrote: “Danny Welbeck said THIS about Brighton’s rivalry with Chelsea 2 years ago. He’s just agreed personal terms with them inside a day. Disgraceful and if he gets booed i’ll have no complaints. What did you expect Danny?”
It appears the general consensus – in response to the tweet – is that Welbeck is well within his rights to pursue the move at this stage of his career. It must be noted that until a deal is closed, there is still no guarantee it will definitely happen.
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