Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Danny Welbeck has been announced as the fourth signing of the Xabi Alonso era by Chelsea after he completed a move from Brighton, and Fabian Hurzeler has bid the striker farewell.
Chelsea have now completed the signings of Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix and Danny Welbeck, after confirming the England international’s move from Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
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While he is the fourth signing made since Alonso was confirmed, he is the eighth new face in Chelsea training after pre-arranged deals for Denner, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpayev.
Welbeck becomes Chelsea’s sixth-oldest signing ever, ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Blues have decided to sign the 35-year-old because of his leadership, his attitude, and ability to raise standards.
Hurzeler’s verdict sums up why Chelsea have signed Welbeck
Back in 2020, Welbeck joined Brighton on a one-year deal but has since become a modern-day legend for the Seagulls. He has since scored 51 goals in 201 Brighton appearances, while laying on 18 assists.
With 400 Premier League appearances under his belt, Chelsea have moved to land Welbeck largely due to his experience. Hurzeler’s words after his exit underline exactly why Alonso has green-lighted a move.
Chelsea Unveil their New Signing Danny Welbeck
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“We are all sorry to see him go,” Hurzeler said. “He has been a pleasure to work with from the moment I arrived at the club. His professionalism, attitude and commitment set the standard here every day.
“He has been a fantastic support to me, personally. As well as the quality he brought on the pitch, he was an important leader in the squad and a role model for our younger players,” Hurzeler said as per the BBC.
Welbeck arrival makes Joao Pedro a better player
The former Man United, Arsenal and Sunderland man arrives at Chelsea, reuniting with many players. At Brighton, he played alongside Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo, and even defender Levi Colwill.
But it is Joao Pedro where Welbeck will foresee his biggest influence. The duo would often play up front together during the Brazilian’s Brighton days, and the stats prove Welbeck makes Pedro a better player.
Pedro has a better goal-per-minute ratio when playing alongside Welbeck than he did at Chelsea last season. Some feat, given Pedro scored 23 goals in 53 games and won the Player of the Season award.
Not only will his influence and attitude provide positivity in the dressing room, but Welbeck will help get the best out of Pedro both on and off the pitch. It does mean Chelsea will have to sell a striker or two.