‘Liam Delap chose to join Chelsea ahead of multiple rivals – his wages are big’
Liam Delap has signed for Chelsea after a small-scale transfer saga played out following the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
He had been a top target for Man United but their failure to qualify for the Champions League allowed the Blues in to complete a deal for the 22-year-old.
Delap has signed a contract running until June 2031 after Chelsea activated his £30million relegation release clause at Ipswich Town.
Enzo Maresca’s side have confirmed on Thursday (5 June) that the England Under-21 international will wear the number nine shirt next term – following the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has backed Delap to thrive, not flop, at Stamford Bridge like his predecessors.
Delap will get regular rests at Chelsea, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Chelsea’s Champions League qualification was a huge factor as Delap is more suited to playing in big games.
The striker hit 12 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions for Ipswich in the 2024-25 campaign.
Wyness claimed he expects Delap to be rotated out of the side for less important cup fixtures as his “battering ram” style means he will need regular rest.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “For a number of reasons, Champions League football has made the difference.
“I had heard that Liam wanted to play European football from early on in the process.
“What it may also mean is that he won’t have to play as regularly – the domestic cup games for instance – and Chelsea will be able to rest him.
“Delap’s style, he’s a battering ram of a forward, is suited to the big European nights and the big Premier League games.
“He will then be able to sit out in the cup games, because they’ve got that European luxury.
“I think it will be good for him physically and for Chelsea if they can do that.
“I know a lot of clubs were looking at him. The price was right – even if it came with some big wages.
“You hope he gets the playing time he wants. I’m sure he will – I believe he’ll be a big success.”
Chelsea get Rafael Leao boost
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (29 May) that Chelsea are set for a boost in their long-term pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer.
Chelsea are again on the hunt for a new left-sided winger this summer with the club declining to sign Jadon Sancho permanently.
Sources say the London club could have a “window of opportunity” to sign Leao with Milan failing to qualify for any kind of European football for the 2025-26 campaign.
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