£30m Talent Has Chosen Chelsea As His Next Destination: How Will It Impact The Blues Next Season? | OneFootball

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has begun to stir once again. Chelsea want to build a competitive and formidable squad before the ball starts rolling in August. The London team has not been satisfied with the performance of its current options in attack.

In particular, confidence in Nicolas Jackson has waned after a season that left doubts about his consistency. The club have already decided that strengthening the forward line is not only a priority but also a matter of urgency. Several names have been put on the table, but in recent hours one has gained momentum over the rest.

Liam Delap Has Chosen Chelsea As His Next Destination

Liam Delap is close to becoming a new Chelsea player. The English striker, who belongs to Ipswich Town and has a £30 million release clause following relegation, has reportedly already decided on his next destination. According to David Ornstein, the striker’s agents have notified Manchester United, Newcastle, Everton and Nottingham Forest that their client has opted to sign for the Blues. The club are already working on the contractual details and it is expected that both parties will reach an agreement on personal terms in the coming weeks. The negotiations are now entering their final stages.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 03: Liam Delap of Ipswich Town in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Ipswich Town FC at Goodison Park on May 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Delap’s arrival may seem premature to some, but it makes more sense than many believe. He is only 22 years old, but he has experience in both the Championship and the Premier League. His physical style, his ability to press high up the pitch and his ease in turning inside the box fit what Maresca is looking for in a striker.

How Will It Impact The Blues Next Season?

The Italian coach does not want a passive ‘nine’. He needs mobility, aggression and the ability to read spaces, and Delap offers that. He is not the most exciting name on the market, but he can become a functional striker, especially if Maresca manages to pair him well with players such as Palmer or Nkunku.

On the other hand, thinking of Delap as a simple signing for the present is limiting his potential. He has a ceiling and is not a finished star. Delap is a project with a Premier League profile. Furthermore, Chelsea have failed with big names and sky-high prices in attack. Betting on a more malleable profile could yield different results. This move, far from being desperate, could be the start of a more sensible strategy. A small but firm step.