Brighton star Danny Welbeck sends ‘next chapter’ message as retirement confirmed
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck took to social media with an emotional message as another retirement was announced this summer.
Welbeck has now entered into the twilight of his career while playing for the Seagulls, but still managed to register his first league campaign with double-digit goals, reaching 10 goals and four assists this term.
Former Derby County star Martyn Waghorn announced his retirement from football a matter of months ago, with many young fans’ idols beginning to come to the end of their careers.
With fellow striker Joao Pedro choosing between Chelsea and Newcastle United this summer, Fabian Hurzeler will be hoping the 34-year-old remains at the Amex Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Luckily for the young manager, it is not Welbeck who has announced the end of his footballing career, but rather his former teammate, Adam Lallana, who played for Southampton, Liverpool, and Brighton.
Danny Welbeck wishes Adam Lallana well after retirement
Taking to Instagram stories (25 June), Welbeck wrote an emotional message to Lallana: “Happy retirement, Adam Lallana. All the best for the next chapter, mate.”
Fabian Hurzeler to navigate difficult summer transfer window
Football Insider verdict
It was a difficult first season in England for the new manager, with Hurzeler coming under pressure from the Brighton fans, especially following their 2-2 draw with Leicester City in April.
Now, however, after finishing just one spot outside the European spots, four points behind Nottingham Forest, the club’s ambitions are clear ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 32-year-old now has the full backing from the squad, and if he is to be successful next season, he needs the full backing from the boardroom during the summer transfer window.
The Seagulls hit back at eye-watering bids for Kaoru Mitoma during the winter transfer window, with Carlos Baleba, Pervis Estupinan, and Jan Paul van Hecke all being linked with exits.
Football Insider understands that Brighton are “well-placed” to sign Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who has just helped England Under-21s reach the Euro U21 final against Germany.
Of course, if several high-profile players are to leave, multiple new signings will need to be made, but the Seagulls are more than capable of rebuilding as they always do.