Chelsea have finally officially announced their first signing of the summer in an attempt to give backing to Enzo Maresca in his second season in charge.
The Blues have unveiled Liam Delap as their new striker, immediately asking a question about the future of an unhappy Nicolas Jackson.
Delap will wear the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge, clearly showing there is a backing from the club that he can become their first elite goalscorer since Diego Costa was at the club.
The Blues have done this business in the first portion of this unprecedented transfer window. It will close again on June 10, before opening again on June 16 until the start of September.
Can Liam Delap play at the FIFA Club World Cup for Chelsea?
This has been done in aid of the club’s set to compete in the Club World Cup, with them back in action in the lucrative tournament midway through June.
Enzo Maresca’s side are taking the competition seriously, and are expected to name a strong squad despite coming quickly off the back of a set of international fixtures.
After being signed and unveiled already, Delap is now eligible to play in the competition in the United States, and is expected to feature.
Chelsea ask Delap to put club ahead of country
The Telegraph even stated that Chelsea had asked the striker to put the club tournament ahead of representing his country at the U21 European Championships, which are also set to be this summer.
At this stage, there is no clarity over whether the Englishman will be present for Chelsea’s opening group game against LAFC.
However, with Chelsea putting a priority on getting this deal done quickly, it will likely be done with the expectation that he would be available for a quick start in a blue shirt.
Delap has already stressed the importance of winning trophies at Chelsea, and has a chance to secure one before he has even made a Premier League appearance for his new club.
