Transfer news: Welbeck joins Chelsea, Brentford complete record Sangaré deal
Chelsea have signed the 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton for a reported £5m on a two-year contract, while Brentford have made Mali international Mamadou Sangaré their record signing in a reported £39m move from Lens. Welbeck’s arrival is notable because it departs from Chelsea’s recent preference for younger recruits and reflects manager Xabi Alonso’s desire to add experience after last season’s 10th-place Premier League finish.
Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances for Brighton last season and will join Chelsea’s pre-season tour, potentially affecting the futures of Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu. Sangaré, 24, has signed for five years with an optional extra year after helping Lens win the French Cup and finish second in Ligue 1; Bournemouth also announced the reported £25m signing of Benfica defender António Silva.
- Chelsea sign experienced striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton for a reported £5m.
- Brentford pay a reported club-record £39m for Mamadou Sangaré.
- Bournemouth add Benfica defender António Silva for about £25m.
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Chelsea are a London club in the Premier League, England’s top football division. Danny Welbeck is an experienced England striker who has played for several Premier League sides, including Brighton, where he scored 13 league goals last season. Chelsea have recently focused on signing younger players, while manager Xabi Alonso is looking to strengthen the squad after the team finished 10th.
Brentford are another Premier League club, based in west London. Mamadou Sangaré is a Mali international midfielder who joined Lens in France after helping them win the French Cup and finish second in Ligue 1. A record signing is a player bought for more than any previous signing by that club.