Liam Delap in Everton's sights for 40 million

Why it matters

Chelsea striker Liam Delap is at the center of a possible move to Everton, a Premier League club looking to strengthen their attack. The £40m valuation could represent an opportunity for Everton, considering Delap's struggles last season. His departure from Chelsea, where he struggled to find space, could also free up resources for the Blues.

Context

Liam Delap, a striker born in 2000, was purchased by Chelsea in 2025 from Ipswich Town for 30 million pounds. His experience in the Premier League was disappointing, with just two goals in 35 appearances last season. Currently, his future is uncertain, but Everton's interest could offer him a new opportunity.

Key points

  • Liam Delap in Everton's sights for 40 million.
  • Liam Delap, Chelsea striker, is in the sights of Everton who are thinking of buying his contract for 40 million pounds.
  • Everton Eyeing £40m Chelsea Outcast Striker: But Should Moyes Say No?.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton are in talks to acquire Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with the Blues having set a selling price of between 40 and 50 million pounds. Chelsea managers are firm on the request of 50 million, while interested clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, believe that 40 million is a more realistic figure to close the deal. Delap was bought by Chelsea in 2025, coming from Ipswich Town, in a £30 million transfer that has brought very little results to date. Last season (2025/26) was disastrous for the player: only 2 goals and 0 assists in 35 appearances, of which 28 in the Premier League, with only one goal scored. Chelsea's new manager, Xabi Alonso, took drastic decisions towards Delap, taking away his number 9 shirt and sending him to train with other unused players. The message from Stamford Bridge is clear: the player must leave. Delap, however, would have refused a transfer to Italy, to Como, preferring to remain in the north of England. This preference of his would have narrowed the field of possibilities quite a bit, placing the attacker among Everton's targets, together with Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

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But would it really make sense for Everton to invest such a high sum for a player like Delap? The answer is categorically no. And the reasons are many. Delap scored just one goal in the Premier League last season and spending 40 million on a striker with that kind of performance would not be a calculated risk, but it would be an irrational investment. Furthermore, Toffees manager David Moyes has always admired Delap's physical profile, but admiration does not fill the coffers. Indeed, last season Delap won just 39.1% of total duels and lost possession 48 times, meaning Premier League defenders contained him without too many problems. For a player who is supposed to be a reference forward, these are rather alarming statistics.

Furthermore, Everton's budgetary constraints make the move even less sensible: the team's current strikers, Beto and Thierno Barry, scored 17 goals between them last season, a more than respectable tally that would not justify the purchase of an expensive new striker. Investing in a player that Chelsea has effectively put aside would put Everton in serious difficulty, as they would not be able to address other market needs. David Moyes has always known how to make the most of physical attackers, but this time a recovery operation at this price and with these presumed returns would be of no use to anyone.

What happens now

If Everton manages to convince Chelsea to accept an offer of 40 million, Delap could finally find a more suitable environment to relaunch. However, competition from other clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Leeds United could complicate the situation. Delap's final decision and the negotiations between the clubs will be crucial in the coming days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with Liam Delap and Everton?

Everton are in talks to acquire Chelsea striker Liam Delap, whose selling price is set at between 40 and 50 million pounds.

Who confirmed Everton's interest in Delap?

Everton's interest in Liam Delap was reported by journalist Ben Jacobs.

Why is Everton considering buying Delap now?

Everton are considering signing Delap now as Chelsea have made it clear that the player must leave, after a disappointing season.

What changes have Chelsea made regarding Delap?

Chelsea took away Delap's number 9 shirt and sent him to train with other unused players.

What is Delap's current situation regarding the transfer?

Delap rejected a move to Italy to Como, preferring to stay in the north of England, which limited his options.

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