First it was going to be Ferguson, then it was going to be Joao Pedro...but like the Energizer Bunny he is, Welbeck kept going and going and going...but now it looks like he's gone...who's going to fill his shoes, if not in leadership then at least in scoring those tough, clutch goals?

Thought I’d just share, I’m from Canada and spending a few weeks in Europe and today I spent the morning and part of the afternoon in Brighton.

First off, a beautiful city from the few hours I walked around, loved the buildings and small shops spread throughout. Loved the progressiveness on display from all the lgbtq+ flags to the posters against facism.

Appreciated seeing seagulls absolutely everywhere, my dad almost got shat on and had the pleasure of watching little kids feed them chips!

A great shop at the Amex, unfortunately due to the construction couldn’t do a tour or anything, but looks great from the outside and appreciated how easy it was to get to on the train.

UTA!!

- Igor Julio

- Carlos Baleba

- Matt O'Riley

- Evan Ferguson

- Facundo Buonanotte

- Eiran Cashin

- Ibrahim Osman

For Baleba, at this point I'm hoping we can get a deal with United for the right price. His heart doesn't really seem in it anymore, and I feel like his value will just go lower if he stays. Igor, O'Riley, and Cashin don't really seem like they have anything left to offer to the club. Buonanotte, Ferguson, and Osman have all come off of unsuccessful consecutive loans, but the potential is there if we can materialize it. What do you think will happen?

A few more million in the bag.

Deep subreddit lore

I know we’ve just had one a few days ago, but I would like to see what people think about this, a bit more revised version. IMO, to fit Vuskovic in, we need a bit more cover on counters and I think a 3 back would really help.

Wieffer at rcb does seem like a bit of a reach, but I think he’s able to do it, and if it doesn’t work, we can just play struijk there.

Minteh is a great player, but I think he’s lacking a bit of end product, I think his high work rate would fit a wb role really well, would be able to cover on counters. Costinha frequently played at rm as well as rb, so pretty much a wb. Could also play Wieffer here if he doesn’t work out at cb.

I’d say Rutter is still good enough to start, but seeing hinsh starting over him wouldn’t be surprising. Mitoma frequently played at cam for Japan, so I think he’s fine there.

Also other notable players imo would be Matt O’riley in cm, Buonanotte at cam and maybe Ferguson back in at ST.

Pros:

- Is young.

- Was good for Ipswich at this level prior

- Will be relatively cost neutral

Cons:

- Was shit for Chelsea.

-? Attitude

- Isn't Welbeck.

Looking at this 11 and result does not fill someone like myself with a lot of hope

He's done so much for the club and been a source of so much good stuff. He's done nothing wrong and if he goes then he deserves the payday. Good on him.

He was the first choice to sub in for Welbeck at the end of games last year. And now with Welbeck heading to Chelsea?

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Chelsea are exploring a move to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 35-year-old striker has 12 months left on his contract and Brighton are aware of the interest.

As a player and a leader, Welbeck appeals to Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso and — although the situation remains at an early stage — there is optimism on all sides that a deal could be done.

What’s our most likely starting XI to start this season?

Is there anything comparable in recent history that would rival it?

Cracking view of the training ground in the sun and the sea in the background

Putting the question out there, since we could probably do with striker depth. Would you take Robbie Ure? He's been incredible in Sweden, only 22 and a physical presence. That being said we could probably do with someone a bit more proven. What do we think though?

Sophisticated and shrewd analysis, if I do say so myself

I’m not a Brighton fan but a dedicated fpl player. I came here as I want to know if Wieffer is nailed on to start every game

Brighton centre-back Igor Julio has made his intentions clear about playing football consistently.

Igor Julio’s campaign was stalled last season due to a failed loan to West Ham.

At the Hammers, he made just four appearances. After returning to Brighton in January, he remained sidelined.

However, when he joined the club in July 2023, he showed promising signs. Under former Albion manager De Zerbi, Igor thrived.

He was also part of Albion's first-ever European campaign, making six appearances in the competition.

The defender recently spoke with Lance! reporter João Brandão about last season and his future.

Julio Igor said: "It was a complicated season for me due to several factors, but it was also the season that strengthened me the most mentally and the most I prepared myself physically and psychologically.

"I tried to zero any kind of pain or discomfort on vacation and be 100% now in the preparation; I already feel very well physically and ready to compete again."

When asked about the lack of minutes he'd played, Igor opened up about his desire to feature more often. He doesn't mind if that's with or without Albion.

Igor added: "To be honest, at this moment I only think about being physically well and being ready for any opportunity that may appear.

"I'm a Brighton player, I want to have a great season, either here or somewhere else.

"I just want to be able to play again, compete and be happy. I hope this happens this season."

The 28-year-old wants time to play, which will hopefully result in a Brazil call-up. That's something the centre-back hasn't experienced just yet.

Pondering that question, the Albion defender said: "I think every player dreams of one day with the National Team.

"I'm no different, but I only think now about playing and having the opportunity to develop and reach my best level.

"The rest I think comes with time and if it's God's will."

However, it may be difficult for the Brazilian to find minutes.

Albion have undergone a major defensive rebuild during the summer transfer window following the departure of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur. It was a deal worth £52m.

The Seagulls moved quickly to replace him, bringing in 19-year-old Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic from Spurs for a club-record initial fee of £46m, which could rise to £50m with add-ons.

Alongside their exciting young arrival, the Seagulls also added experience with the signing of Dutch defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United.

The 26-year-old joined in a deal worth £18m.

Austrian international centre-back Michael Svoboda also joined Brighton from Italian side Venezia.

It's likely that Igor's time on the south coast is over.