Southampton leading the race to sign Danny Welbeck

Southampton leading the race to sign Danny Welbeck

 

Watford forward Danny Welbeck could make an instant return to the Premier League amid the interest from a number of top-flight teams. The England international joined the Hornets on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, but he endured another frustrating campaign where he struggled with a number of injuries.


He contributed only two goals and one assist from 18 league appearances, but those contributions came during the final five games of the season, where he started to find his feet. With the Hornets’ relegation to the Championship, he has the option of leaving the club for just £5.5m with the relegation release clause on his contract and reports claim that the Saints are favourites to land his signature.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ended the 2019/2020 campaign on a high note with 52 points on the board and their form on the road was exceptional with 31 points, the third best in the league. They could not replicate the same performance at home, but they showed character towards the end of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Danny Ings was obviously the main man with 22 goals last term and no other striker got into double figures in terms of scoring. Che Adams had an average debut season, but he managed to find form during the final weeks and contributed four goals from six games including the stunning long-range strike against the Cityzens.

Behind the duo, Hasenhuttl has Shane Long and Michael Obafemi as the back-up options, but the latter has been fancied to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere to secure regular game time. He is currently the subject of interest from West Bromwich Albion and his departure could pave the way for Welbeck to make the switch to the Saints this summer. Welbeck could prove a quality addition for the Saints, provided he can stay unscathed.