The transfer window has now officially shut, with the deadline passing last night at 19:00 BST. Some moves were confirmed after, if deal sheets were submitted in advance to enable this, but it now appears that all transfers for the Premier League are finished. However, information is still being revealed about the talks that took place over potential moves that never materialised, such as Danny Welbeck to Manchester United.
Manchester United Explored Conditions to Bring Back Academy Graduate
Two-Year Contract Discussed for Danny Welbeck
Laurie Whitwell, of The Athletic, has revealed that Manchester United had considered a move to bring Welbeck back to Old Trafford this summer. They reportedly “explored conditions” over a move, and deliberated offering the striker a contract until 2027. The Red Devils felt that their ex-academy graduate would offer “experience, technical quality, and heritage”.
However, INEOS CEO Jim Ratcliffe was not keen on a two-year deal for a 34-year-old. A contract for a year with an option to extend was discussed but never formalised.
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This reportedly took place nearer the start of the window, as United were looking for a “secondary striker” shortly after losing the Europa League final and, consequently, a shot at signing Liam Delap. This centre-forward would be at the “other end of the spectrum” compared to Delap: an older player. Another candidate was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was a free agent. However, neither Welbeck nor an alternative materialised, with Calvert-Lewin moving to Leeds United.
Would Welbeck Want the Move?
The Athletic also state that, in a recent interview with their publication, Welbeck “expressed his happiness at Brighton”. This is unsurprising, with the Englishman bagging double digits in the league for the first time in his career last campaign. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have just come off the back of their worst-ever season in the Premier League, by a country mile, with 42 points. The previous record was 58.
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It would not be controversial to argue that a player would rather join Brighton and Hove Albion over Manchester United right now.
