Former Arsenal forward Paul Dickov has urged Danny Welbeck to carefully consider his options amid growing speculation about a shock return to Manchester United in the January transfer window.
The Brighton Form That's Turning Heads
The 34-year-old striker has been in outstanding form for Brighton this season, scoring six goals in 11 Premier League appearances, making him the highest-scoring Englishman in the top flight. Burnley's Jaidon Anthony sits second with four goals, while established stars like Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen have managed three each.
Welbeck's impressive performances have not only sparked transfer rumours but have also raised questions about a potential England recall. The veteran hasn't featured for the Three Lions since 2018 while at Arsenal, but with 16 goals in 42 international caps, his experience could prove valuable for next summer's World Cup, particularly as Thomas Tuchel lacks a clear deputy for Harry Kane.
The Manchester United Situation
United's interest comes at a time when their summer signing Benjamin Sesko suffered a knee injury during the 2-2 draw at Tottenham before the international break. This has forced the Reds to consider their options in the January market, with Welbeck emerging as a potential target.
The connection runs deep - Welbeck came through United's youth system at Carrington and scored 29 times in 142 matches for his boyhood club before joining Arsenal in a £16million transfer nearly 12 years ago.
Why Dickov Thinks Welbeck Should Stay
Speaking to Best Betting Bonuses, Dickov expressed significant doubts about the proposed move. "It would be a big shout, actually, wouldn't it? Danny's been excellent. He seems to get better as he gets older," the former Manchester City and Leicester star remarked.
Dickov highlighted several crucial factors Welbeck must consider:
- Playing time concerns when Sesko returns from injury
- Brighton's potential reluctance to let their star forward leave
- The challenge of January transfer market limitations
- Whether United would invest heavily in another striker who might then sit on the bench
"At the back of his mind, he's going to be thinking 'How many games am I going to play?'" Dickov added. "Because when Sesko comes back, he's probably going to be the main No. 9 that they've got in their squad. So it's a really difficult one for him."
The former striker also questioned United's transfer strategy, noting: "They spent big on him [Sesko]. He was the one that they wanted in the summer. But with strikers, and I know that myself, we're very selfish."
As the January window approaches, Welbeck faces a career-defining decision - whether to return to his boyhood club as potentially second-choice striker or continue leading Brighton's attack while pushing for an unexpected England recall.
