To be a Chelsea fan is to live in the weird and wonderful. So, while it was shocking to learn that both Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could join, it won’t have come as a surprise to Blues fans.
Initially, it was just Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. The former Man United man is ageing like fine wine at Brighton, and the relationship between the clubs is strong. BlueCo want to add experience this summer.
First Danny Welbeck and now Jordan Henderson! What is going on at Chelsea?
Chelsea want to sign Jordan Henderson graphic
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With Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu all candidates to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, it makes sense that Chelsea want to sign 35-year-old Welbeck before the deadline.
It is a surprise, though, given BlueCo’s insistence on signing youth for so long. A few hours later, it had emerged that Chelsea were trying to sign Jordan Henderson too. Xabi Alonso is being listened to.
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How Henderson once made Welbeck cry, back in 2023
There is always something going on at Chelsea, and that was proved once more on Tuesday, when the Blues beat Western Sydney Wanderers in Alonso’s first official game as Chelsea manager. A 6-4 victory.
Sweden v England: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Photo by David Ramos – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In the background, Henderson and Welbeck could well emerge as Chelsea signings. Three years ago, Henderson was leaving Liverpool as one of the club’s all-time legends after winning the league title.
Henderson has since played for Al-Ettifaq, Ajax and Brentford. But he was picked in England’s squad simply because of his leadership skills and a move to Stamford Bridge would be for the same reasons.
An emotional video was posted by Henderson on Instagram as he left Liverpool, ending a stint that had lasted 12 years and spanned 492 appearances. Welbeck was among those to comment on the video.
England Training Session and Press Conference
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Welbeck, who was a teammate of Henderson’s for England but a Man United fan at heart, admitted back then the video had made him emotional, commenting: “Incredible bro. Even brought a tear to a Manc.”
What do Henderson and Welbeck’s arrivals mean for Chelsea?
Firstly, it would see Chelsea’s current players improve. Welbeck and Henderson are current Premier League examples of how, towards the end of their careers, they can improve form through standards.
Henderson is a true leader, an inspiration that drives others to be at their best and to work hard. The Blues were outrun in 37 of 38 Premier League games last term; Chelsea feel Henderson can change that.
Danny Welbeck to Chelsea out of nowhere! Share your thoughts below 😱
Danny Welbeck of Brighton
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With Welbeck, Chelsea are signing a striker who still netted 13 Premier League goals last season. A striker who leads by example, proving that once again, maintaining standards gets the best out of a player.
For those that remain at Chelsea, it means more movement in the right direction. But their arrivals will also have knock-on effects for current players. Delap, Emegha and Guiu may leave as Welbeck arrives.
The same for Henderson, with Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia gathering interest. Andrey Santos has left, and Henderson fills that void. But, Chelsea signing two players with a combined age of 71 is a shock.
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