Chelsea openly ready to part ways with Delap after one season

Chelsea Ready to Cut Losses on Liam Delap After One Season – Everton Circle for £30m Deal Chelsea are open to selling Liam Delap just 12 months after signing him, with new boss Xabi Alonso reportedly ready to sanction an exit as the striker is deemed a poor fit for the club’s style. Everton have emerged as the frontrunner to bring the 23-year-old back to Merseyside, where they believe his physical, direct game would thrive under David Moyes. Why Chelsea Are Willing to Sell Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer for around *£30m*, but his debut season at Stamford Bridge hasn’t gone to plan. He managed just *2 goals and 4 assists in 40 appearances* across all competitions in 2025/26, with only 16 starts and 1,596 minutes played. Joao Pedro has outshone him in the No.9 role under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. Sources say Alonso, who takes charge on 1 July, wants a more technical, link-up striker and views Delap’s strengths – battling for long balls, hold-up play, and physicality – as a better fit elsewhere. Chelsea are now looking to raise funds and clear squad space for a new “ready-made” striker. “Delap’s style suits Everton much more than it does Chelsea,” ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown told _Football Insider_. “If a good offer comes in from Everton or anybody else, I expect Chelsea will be prepared to let him go.” Everton made Delap a top target before he chose Chelsea last summer, and Moyes is keen to revisit the move. With Beto managing just 3 Premier League goals and Thierno Barry still adapting, Everton see Delap as the “desired target” to lead the line. His physical profile is considered ideal for Moyes’ system. The Toffees are wary of overpaying, and sources suggest they won’t go above the *£30m* Chelsea paid. Chelsea themselves are hoping to recoup the full fee, though a loan-to-buy structure is also on the table.Newcastle are also monitoring Delap, but Everton’s interest is the most advanced. Delap’s contract runs for another five years, but regular first-team football is the priority. Chelsea are also considering Hugo Ekitike and Igor Thiago as potential replacements, which would push Delap further down the pecking order. For Everton, it’s a chance to land a striker they missed out on 12 months ago at a price that reflects his struggles. For Chelsea, it’s a quick correction on a signing that never clicked.If Alonso gets his way, Delap could be playing at Goodison Park by August.