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Tony Bloom issues Danny Welbeck and Chelsea statement after controversial transfer All the latest transfer news for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League Brighton chairman Tony Bloom admitted Danny Welbeck’s summer exit to Chelsea was a big blow. Welbeck, 35, joined Chelsea on a two-year contract and paid Brighton around £5m to secure his services. The sale of Welbeck did not go down at all well with a large section of the fanbase. Bloom, speaking to At The Races TV, said: “Everything is coming together. “Danny is a big loss. He has been a brilliant player for the club over the last six years but we have got a lot of really good young forwards and we are confident for the season ahead and in Europe for the second time.” Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler also hopes the likes of Charalmapos Kostoulas and Georginio can set-up and help fill the void. "I understand some of the supporters are frustrated [with Welbeck] because he was our top goalscorer. "But we have two really good strikers with Georginio, with Kostoulas. Who didn't play that many minutes last season but we have big big potential. Now and it's also a great opportunity for these two.” Facundo on the move Elsewhere at Brighton, Facundo Buonanotte has joined La Liga side Elche CF on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old, who joined Albion from Rosario Central in January 2023, will continue his development in Spain this season. Sporting director Mike Cave said, “Facundo is a talented young player who has continued to develop since joining the club. “This loan gives him the opportunity to play regular football in one of Europe’s top leagues. “We believe this move will provide an excellent environment for him to gain further experience, and we’ll continue to monitor his progress closely throughout the season. “Facundo has played more than 40 games for Albion; he spent 2024/23 on loan with Leicester City, and last season had spells with Chelsea and Leeds United.” Lukic to Ipswich Ipswich have signed Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic from Fulham on a deal running until summer 2030. The 29-year-old spent three-and-a-half years at Craven Cottage and made 92 Premier League appearances for the club. He told the Ipswich website: “I am proud to sign for this club. “I know there is a great history here and some brilliant supporters so I can’t wait to get started. Vitek on the move Radek Vitek has joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal from Manchester United. The 22-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 and had loan spells with Accrington and Austrian outfit Blau-Weiss Linz before spending last season on loan with Bristol City. The Press Association understands the deal is worth up to £14m with add-ons and has up to 35 per cent as a sell-on, along with matching rights and a buy-back option in the agreement.