Rio Ferdinand has urged Danny Welbeck to turn down Chelsea and instead make a shock return to Manchester United. The former United defender, who played alongside Welbeck at Old Trafford, made the plea on social media as the Brighton striker enters talks with the Blues.
Chelsea negotiations underway
Club-to-club discussions have begun between Chelsea and Brighton for the 35-year-old forward, according to football.london. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is seeking to strengthen his attack, and personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle despite the Blues not qualifying for European competition next season.
Welbeck enjoyed a prolific campaign with Brighton last term, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in all competitions as the Seagulls secured a place in the Europa Conference League.
Ferdinand's public plea
Taking to X, Ferdinand wrote: "Welbs…. Ignore + come back home! Champions League football next season in Manchester." He pointed out that Michael Carrick's United side can offer Champions League football, unlike Chelsea.
Welbeck's United career
Welbeck made his Premier League debut for United at 17, scoring in 2008 under Sir Alex Ferguson. After loan spells, he became a regular and netted nine league goals in 25 appearances under David Moyes. However, he grew frustrated playing out of position on the left wing and decided to leave after Louis van Gaal's arrival.
He joined Arsenal in August 2014, scoring 32 goals in 126 games and winning two FA Cups. Reflecting on his departure, Welbeck told the Mirror in November 2014: "When you’ve been somewhere for so long and then you’re going to start a new chapter in your career, you’ve got to think about it a lot. Over the past year or so, I started to think about what’s best for me."
He added: "At the time I was playing on the left wing a lot and in a 4–4-2, which is very difficult for me because I can’t make an impact on the game."
Later career
After Arsenal, Welbeck spent a season at Watford in 2019/20 before joining Brighton, where he has since impressed. Now, with his contract situation, a potential move to Chelsea or a return to United is on the cards.
