Chelsea are reportedly in shock talks to sign veteran forward Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Hove Albion, and veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson from Brentford.
Welbeck, 35, scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season in his best-ever return in the English top-flight and the English forward is aging like a fine wine as many pushed for him to be called up to England’s World Cup squad. Welbeck’s form led Brighton to an eighth-place finish last season as they qualified for the UEFA Conference League.
But according to multiple reports, from the Daily Mail and The Athletic, Chelsea are in talks to sign Welbeck.
On Henderson, 36, multiple reports say he could leave Brentford on a free as Alonso wants to add extra experience to his midfield.
🚨 BREAKING: Chelsea working to sign Jordan Henderson from Brentford. #CFC top contender among multiple PL clubs eyeing England midfielder as #BrentfordFC ready to grant free transfer. Amicable situation + healthy relations between 36yo/club @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/8dOBIcm9g4
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 27, 2026
How would Welbeck, Henderson fit in at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso?
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been keen to add experience and leadership wherever he has been manager so far (see: Xhaka, Granit, at Bayer Leverkusen, who he tried to sign for Chelsea already this summer), and Welbeck and Henderson would provide that in abundance with this youthful Chelsea side.
It’s all about setting the standards and they are both known to be great team players and leaders.
Joao Pedro is Chelsea’s undisputed No. 9 and starter, but Welbeck would be a fine back-up option.
Welbeck’s arrival would cast doubt on the futures of both Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea. Delap struggled in his first season at Chelsea, while Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and it seems like he has no future at Stamford Bridge.
Given that Chelsea will provide plenty of chances for Welbeck to finish, and he would be happy enough with coming off the bench and playing 20-30 minutes per game as a closer, this seems like a deal which works for everyone.
Henderson would provide back up for Moises Caicedo in holding midfield and it seems like he would be eager to work his way towards a coaching role.
Several England stars spoke glowingly about Henderson’s impact off the pitch at the World Cup this summer, while the former Liverpool star also performed very well for Brentford last season as they punched well above their weight and just missed out on European qualification.
