Danny Welbeck warned Chelsea move could end in ‘Cheerleader’ role

Former Brighton striker Dean Saunders believes Danny Welbeck would make a mistake by leaving the Seagulls for Chelsea, warning the veteran forward would become little more than a "cheerleader" at Stamford Bridge.

Welbeck is closing in on a move to Chelsea after agreeing to leave Brighton despite signing a one-year contract extension earlier this year. Xabi Alonso's side are expected to pay around £5 million for the experienced striker and offer him a two-year deal.

Saunders admitted he cannot understand why Welbeck would leave a club where he remains a regular starter.

The former Brighton forward believes the 35-year-old will struggle for playing time at Chelsea despite enjoying the best Premier League season of his career last term.

"Danny won't be playing regularly in the team at Chelsea, and I can't understand why he wants to be a cheerleader next season," Saunders said.

"Welbeck has just come off the back of a brilliant season for Brighton and has definitely earned talk of a move like this, but he won't get the same opportunities at Chelsea as he does at Brighton."

Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last season, the highest league tally of his career, and played a key role under Fabian Hurzeler.

However, Saunders questioned whether Chelsea should be investing in a player of his age if they are looking to strengthen their squad.

"If Chelsea are chasing some top-class Premier League experience, I think they need to be looking at players slightly younger than Welbeck," he added.

"They will need leadership on the pitch all season, and he won't provide that. He would be great to have around the club though."

Despite the potential loss of Welbeck, Saunders remains confident Brighton will continue to compete strongly under owner Tony Bloom.

He praised the club's recruitment model, highlighting its data-driven approach to identifying talent and replacing departing stars.

Saunders also suggested Brighton supporters have become accustomed to seeing key players leave, while insisting the Seagulls are well equipped to remain competitive in both the Premier League and Europe.

Welbeck's expected move to Chelsea has divided opinion. While his experience could prove valuable inside the dressing room, questions remain over how much football he will play in a squad packed with attacking options. Brighton, meanwhile, are confident their recruitment strategy will once again soften the impact of another high-profile departure.

Chelsea are expected to complete Welbeck's signing in the coming days, while Brighton will begin planning for life without one of their most experienced attacking players ahead of the new Premier League season.