All eyes will be on Liam Delap next season to see how he copes with the step up at Chelsea after completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
Liam Delap was a shining light last season for relegated Ipswich Town, scoring 12 Premier League goals. It’s why nobody was surprised to see a fierce transfer battle take place for his signature.
Delap received transfer interest from 11 clubs after his impressive year with Ipswich, but the 22-year-old centre-forward chose to join Chelsea and reunite with Enzo Maresca.
The Blues swooped in to activate the striker’s £30m release clause, which feels like it could be an exceptional bit of business if he fulfils his potential in West London. Delap has stated his ambition to win trophies at Chelsea, where the squad is full of so many exceptional young talents.
Alan Shearer thinks Liam Delap to Chelsea is a superb signing
According to Alan Shearer, Chelsea have completed an excellent deal to purchase Delap from Ipswich for just £30m this summer.
He’s made the exciting prediction that the English frontman will only improve and should score more regularly in a better team next season.
When discussing Chelsea signing Delap, Shearer said on The Rest Is Football: “I do like him. For £30m, I think it’s a no-brainer. I think Chelsea have got a great deal. I gather there were other big clubs in for him, so for Chelsea to get him at that price is, for me, very, very good business. He’s only going to get better…
“I think he’s a bit old-fashioned. He’s like a throwback from what a centre-forward was 20, 30 years ago when they were all in fashion. Aggressive, horrible to play against, doesn’t mind mixing it up, can run in behind. Obviously scores goals. The number of goals he scored in a really struggling team that is only going to get better.
“I think at his age, with the ability he’s got now, I think he’s got a really bright future. I would have liked to have seen Newcastle get him, but for whatever reason, he’s decided to go to Chelsea. I think that’s a really smart move for them.”
Martin Keown reacted to the Delap signing by asking if he will take Chelsea to the next level.
The truth is there is a bit of the unknown with the young forward because this is a considerable step up, but he deserves the chance after last season’s performances.
Without a doubt, his £30m signing feels like a great deal for the Blues. It’s now up to the player to settle in quickly in his new home as he tries to be the natural striker that the club have been crying out for.
Liam Delap looks set for the Club World Cup
The first big question regarding Delap’s career at Chelsea has been around whether he would feature for them at the Club World Cup tournament or represent England at the European Under-21 Championship this summer.
Delap was originally named in Lee Carsley’s Young Lions squad for a preparation camp ahead of the U21s Euros. However, the Chelsea forward hasn’t been included in the final 23-man squad for the upcoming international competition.
Therefore, it looks like he’s on his way to the United States to make his Blues debut at the Club World Cup, which takes place from mid-June to mid-July.
Chelsea asked Delap to put club ahead of country, and the youngster has obliged.
