Danny Welbeck could have become a Manchester United player again but could now make the move to one of their biggest rivals
Danny Welbeck and Kobbie Mainoo
Danny Welbeck could have pulled on the famous red shirt again(Image: 2026 Allstar)
View 3 Images
Danny Welbeck could be set for a surprise move to Chelsea, with the Blues initiating discussions with Brighton to sign the veteran forward. Despite being 35 years of age, Welbeck continues to perform at a high level in the top flight and is said to be keen on the transfer.
A move to Stamford Bridge follows a failed attempt by Erik ten Hag in 2024 to re-sign Welbeck for Manchester United. Ten Hag identified the club's former academy product as an ideal candidate to replace Anthony Martial, impressed by his conditioning, clinical edge, and leadership.
However, Old Trafford chiefs overruled the manager's request to add veteran leadership to his attack. According to The Athletic, United did consider signing Welbeck following Ten Hag's recommendation, but ultimately failed to table an offer during a summer of significant upheaval above the manager, with his own position under threat at one point.
Welbeck responded to the reports in an interview with The Times shortly afterwards. "It's speculation and there's always that link for me because I've been at the club," he explained.
"As I said, I'm just focusing on what I can control myself and all the other stuff is pretty irrelevant." United shifted their attention towards recruiting younger talent, with Benjamin Sesko joining last summer aged 22.
Danny Welbeck celebrates
The 35-year-old could be on the move to Chelsea (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
View 3 Images
While United have been reportedly interested in bringing in an experienced striker this summer, no deals have come to fruition, with Michael Carrick's three acquisitions focused on goalkeeping and midfield positions.
Meanwhile, Welbeck is poised to link up with Xabi Alonso's Chelsea. The former England international, who was in contention for a World Cup squad place this summer, netted a personal best of 13 league goals last season.
Danny Welbeck taking a shot for Manchester United
The former United striker has enjoyed a career renaissance at Brighton(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
United icon Gary Neville believes that Welbeck should never have been permitted to depart Old Trafford, having been sold by Louis van Gaal to Arsenal for £16million in 2014.
"Danny Welbeck, to be fair, should never have been let go at United," Neville declared on the Stick to Football podcast. "If you've got a squad of 24, 23, and you want to keep five or six strikers, he's got to be one of those. You've got to keep him."