Gull-Mouth Action podcast - episode 104 | Brighton's best XI
All the latest transfer talk for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League
Former England winger Chris Waddle believes Danny Welbeck is better off at Brighton than Manchester United.
Welbeck, 34, has been in fine form of late. Last season he netted a career-best 10 Premier League goals and the Albion man already has six to his name this campaign.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal man seems to thrive under Fabian Hurzeler’s system at Albion and has pushed himself to the brink of an England call-up.
Welbeck just missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad but - if he keeps scoring - he remains in contention for a place at this summer’s World Cup as a back-up to England’s main striker Harry Kane.
Welbeck started his career at Old Trafford and there has been talk of a possible January transfer and a reunion with the Red Devils.
If true, it’s a tempting option but Waddle thinks the veteran striker is better off at Brighton.
“It would be a stop-gap solution, let’s be honest,” said former Tottenham winger Waddle to shekicks.net.
“Danny is 34 now, but he’s a fit lad and he can cope with regular games still.
“I’m surprised he didn’t get named in the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, too.
“I think he is useful both for United and England as a back-up someone who could give you at least one or two more more years, especially if he’s not starting every game and is used a little sparingly.
Welbeck would not be first choice at Man United
“For United, he wouldn’t be a first-choice striker, because they’ve got Sesko. If he is injured, then Joshua Zirzkee will be there. They do have options. It would be up to him if he wanted to join a club under those conditions given he is a regular in the Brighton side.
Welbeck is indeed a regular for the Seagulls. He has featured in all 11 Premier League fixtures so far and started eight. He is the main striker for Hurzeler with young Greek strikers Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas snapping at his heels.
“Would he want to come on for half an hour?” Waddle added. “He could easily manage that for the next two or three years. I can see that he still has quality, he knows the Premier League, and he knows how to find the back of the net.
“I can see why it would be a good decision for United, but it depends if Brighton would be interested in letting him go, too. He’s an important player for them, and it isn’t certain he would want to go back to Manchester.
“He might wonder if, whenever everyone is fit, if he’d get onto the pitch, whereas at Brighton he’ll be playing regularly, and that is the main thing that players want.
“You don’t want to sit on a bench. At his age, there’s plenty to take into account, including family life, and where wants to live.
“It must feel amazing to be linked with United, but he looks very happy in a Brighton shirt. I think he’s better off where he is.”
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