Chelsea forward Liam Delap had a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge, finding the net just twice across all competitions after his big-money move from Ipswich Town
Chelsea forward Liam Delap(Image: Getty Images)
Liam Delap is keen to remain at Chelsea for at least one more season to prove his doubters wrong.
The 23-year-old endured a difficult first campaign in west London following his £30million move from Ipswich Town last summer. Indeed, the ex-Hull City forward scored just two goals in 41 appearances in 2025/26.
With Delap often coming off the bench and acting as second-choice to Joao Pedro, speculation had increased about his long-term future at Stamford Bridge and whether he could leave after just 12 months.
But, according to the BBC, Delap is ‘committed’ to Chelsea and wants at least another season to show his worth and convince supporters that the Blues made the right decision to sign him.
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Delap’s commitment is also reflected in his decision to buy a house in the local area, while Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane – his Chelsea coaches – have all highlighted his work-rate behind-the-scenes.
While Delap is eager to stay at Chelsea, the club may decide to move him on. With Xabi Alonso arriving as the new manager and the Blues having fewer matches due to no European football, his game time could be further reduced.
Nicolas Jackson, who spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich, is expected to return to Chelsea for pre-season training this summer. Adding him into the mix could see Delap drop down to third-choice.
Liam Delap of Chelsea(Image: Dennis Goodwin/Pro Sports Images/SmartFrame)
Then with Emmanuel Emegha in there as well, Chelsea are anticipated to have some serious competition in the front line. Emegha is set to join up with the club’s first-team squad after a deal was agreed with Strasbourg.
Delap was praised by Chelsea interim head coach McFarlane during his first stint in charge in early January, after Maresca was sacked and before Rosenior was appointed.
It came following Delap’s first Premier League goal for the Blues, though it did end in a 2-1 defeat at Fulham. “I thought Liam was brilliant when he came on at the Etihad [Stadium],” McFarlane said on January 7, three days after Delap’s impressive cameo appearance in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
“Tough circumstances tonight being the single striker when you’re down to 10 men. But he did well and got us up the pitch. I’m delighted he got his goal, he will take confidence from that and I hope his performances stay at this level.”
Rosenior, who worked with Delap during his time at Hull, then continued to praise the ex-England Under 21s international and believes he is going to “take off” next season.
“If you look at most players’ careers, after they have joined a club, it’s the second season they really take off,” Rosenior said on February 21. “For Liam, he’s had some really, really good performances, but also his rhythm has been interrupted by injury. I’m really happy with Joao and really happy with Liam.”
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