Brighton & Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber has revealed the club “couldn’t and wouldn’t” match Chelsea’s offer of a two-year contract to Danny Welbeck, explaining the circumstances behind the veteran forward’s departure to Stamford Bridge.
Speaking about the reported move, Barber said Brighton were unwilling to compete with the terms offered by Chelsea, despite Welbeck’s importance both on and off the pitch during his time with the Seagulls.
Welbeck, who established himself as one of Brighton’s most experienced figures, is understood to have accepted CHELSEA‘s proposal after the London club tabled a two-year deal. Barber acknowledged the decision was driven by the financial and contractual realities facing Brighton
Barber said: “We understand the emotion around it – we are all emotional about it because Danny’s fantastic and has been for six years.
“We also have to look at it pragmatically with a business eye and also think about Fabian [Hurzeler’s] squad opportunities in the season ahead.”
Barber also defended letting Welbeck go as the ex-England forward, who was tipped for a surprise World Cup recall which never came this summer, turns 36 in November.
He said: “If we had started Danny in the first four or five games and he broke down, there’ll be some people saying ‘Why are you relying on a 36-year-old?’ or ‘It’s ridiculous, you should have thought about that!’
“We do think about these things, we obviously think about them very carefully and we came to the decision we came to and Danny came to the decision he came to. We think it’s right for both sides.”
Although disappointed to lose the striker, Barber indicated the club respected Welbeck’s decision to accept what is likely to be one of the final major contracts of his career. The chief executive suggested Brighton’s policy is designed to protect the club’s long-term future rather than react to individual situations.
CHELSEA, meanwhile, are expected to benefit from Welbeck’s experience at the highest level. Having previously represented Manchester United, Arsenal, Watford and Brighton, the forward offers proven Premier League pedigree and versatility across the attacking line
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