MLS
MLS Eyes Danny Welbeck: Inter Miami and LA Galaxy Target Brighton Forward
published: 03-23-2026
Last updated: 03-23-2026

Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Third Round by Jan Kruger | Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion’s 35-year-old centre forward Danny Welbeck certified his commitment in early March by extending his contract with the club until 2027.
However, this signature has not been enough to quiet the interest arriving from the United States, embellished with "million-dollar" projects.
Current Developments: MLS "Giants" on the Prowl
Welbeck’s clinical finishing and Premier League pedigree make him not just a striker for MLS clubs, but a prime Designated Player candidate capable of boosting the league's brand value.
Having elevated their squad to "dream team" status with names like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami is searching for a high-physicality striker from the English school for the post-Suarez era.
David Beckham’s admiration for Welbeck’s professionalism is seen as the primary driving force behind this potential move.
Traditional powerhouse LA Galaxy has added Welbeck to their shortlist in search of an experienced number 9 to support the likes of Marco Reus and Gabriel Pec in the attacking line.
Brighton have already prepared for the possibility of Welbeck’s departure, identifying Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda as their preferred successor to lead the frontline.
Club Stance: "An Indispensable Leader"
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler defines Welbeck not just as the team's goalscorer, but as the "mentor leader" of the young squad.
The Brighton hierarchy has absolutely no intention of selling the player.
However, it is rumoured that if MLS sides offer a yearly salary package in the $6–$7 million range and a 3-year long-term "project," the club might not stand in the way of the player’s final major adventure.
It is alleged that MLS teams are preparing an offer that would double the current earnings of Welbeck, who earns approximately £55,000 per week.
Valuation and Contract Details
Although the contract has been recently extended, the figures for a potential transfer are shaping up as follows.
Contract: With the signature finalized in March 2026, the deal has been extended until June 30, 2027.
It is stated that Brighton may demand a transfer fee in the region of €10 million for their 35-year-old star.
Official Status vs. Rumours
Official Stance: Brighton has officially announced that Welbeck’s contract option has been triggered and the player will remain with the team.
It is claimed that representatives from Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have moved past the "inquiry" phase with Welbeck’s agent and have presented a concrete draft proposal.
Welbeck’s current form (standing as the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League) is compelling him to stay in Europe. The possibility of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad is his greatest motivation to remain at Brighton.
Should Brighton finish the season outside of European qualification and Welbeck wishes to make his final major financial move, playing alongside Messi in an Inter Miami shirt could be an inevitable conclusion.

Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.