Chelsea transfer news: Brighton striker Danny Welbeck set for medical
Chelsea FC has agreed to sign 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck and is in talks to sign 36-year-old Jordan Henderson. This shift toward experienced players marks a change in strategy for the club under manager Xabi Alonso.
Why it matters
It represents a significant pivot in recruitment philosophy for a club that previously focused exclusively on young talent to improve performance.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Henderson (left) is 36 and Welbeck is 35
Football reporter in Sydney Published 29 July 2026, 06:44 BST Updated 7 hours ago Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Danny Welbeck while Jordan Henderson is set to cancel his Brentford contract to enable a move to Stamford Bridge.
Henderson, 36, is under contract until 2027. Welbeck, 35, has agreed a two-year deal and been given permission by Brighton to conduct a medical at Stamford Bridge.
A fee for the striker has also been agreed but remains undisclosed as Chelsea tie up the deal for him to join pre-season in Hong Kong after Chelsea 's final match in Australia against Tottenham on Saturday evening.
Welbeck will become the oldest signing under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, until Henderson's likely arrival with the west Londoners.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in