Chelsea sign Welbeck as Bournemouth snap up Portugal defender Silva

Chelsea have completed the signing of veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton for a reported £5 million (€5.85 m) on a two‑year deal this summer, while Bournemouth have secured Portugal international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica for a reported £25 million (€29.21 m) ahead of the new season.

New manager Xabi Alonso was keen to add experience after last season’s disappointing 10th‑place finish in the Premier League. Welbeck enjoyed a memorable campaign with Brighton, scoring 13 goals in 37 Premier League games last term and 10 in the 2024/25 season. His veteran presence breaks Chelsea’s recent pattern of signing only younger players with resale potential.

“When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it’s something that fills you with such immense pride. Knowing the history of Chelsea, it’s a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season,” Welbeck said.

Bournemouth needed a replacement after Marcos Senesi departed for Tottenham on a free transfer. Silva, 22, has earned 20 caps for Portugal and featured at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. He was omitted from the squad for the recent World Cup in North America, making the move a chance to revive his international profile.

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“I am very happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to play for Bournemouth and in the Premier League,” Silva said. “I can’t wait to start the season with my teammates. The mentality is always to win.”

For Chelsea, Welbeck adds a proven goal‑scorer and leadership to a forward line that includes Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, while also signalling a willingness to invest in over‑26 talent after a £117 million record signing of Morgan Rogers and other recent purchases.

Bournemouth’s acquisition of Silva strengthens a defence that lost Marcos Senesi, complementing the earlier arrival of forward Alvaro Rodriguez and providing the club with a player who has already experienced major tournaments. The Portuguese international’s experience is expected to help the Cherries compete more consistently in the Premier League.

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