Chelsea make Liam Delap transfer decision

Chelsea are expected to retain faith in Liam Delap this summer, despite his underwhelming form since arriving from Ipswich Town last June.

The former England U21 international netted 12 goals in 40 appearances during his only campaign at Portman Road and his form last season earned himself a move to Chelsea, with the Blues triggering his €35.5 million relegation release clause.

However, Delap suffered a hamstring injury less than a month into the 2025-26 season and he has failed to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge since returning to full fitness.

He has only scored three goals in 34 games since his arrival at Chelsea and he is firmly behind the in-form Joao Pedro in the pecking order as things stand, despite having worked with new boss Liam Rosenior during a loan spell at Hull City.

Delap has been widely criticised for his performances so far this campaign and reports have suggested that Chelsea are already considering a sale as they look to cut their losses.

Everton and Manchester United are among the clubs who have been linked with a summer move for the 23-year-old, with the Chelsea forward potentially set to fall further down the pecking order when Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev join the club ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol believes that Chelsea haven’t given up on Delap just yet.

“They will give him a chance,” he admitted. “I think they just feel behind the scenes that he’s been a little bit unlucky with injuries and also because Joao Pedro has been playing so well.

“The message from inside the club is you gotta back him, trust him, just give him a little bit more time because he is very young.”

Liam Rosenior on Liam Delap

Rosenior has also backed Delap to come good at Chelsea, despite his recent goalscoring woes.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Wrexham on Saturday, the Blues boss said: “In Liam’s last game, he got three assists – he’s in a good place.

“You need a good group, and Joao Pedro is on fire, but that’s nothing on Liam – that’s Joao’s performance. That’s the level that we need to have, and I expect Liam, when he does get his opportunity, to take it and show his quality.

“It’s not about comparing players, it’s about respecting them for their individual strength. Liam will have his opportunities to play in big games, and it’s up to him to take them, and I’m confident that he will.”

As a result, a sale this summer remains unlikely, despite Delap’s lack of form in a Chelsea shirt.

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