Everton were hoping to make Liam Delap the face of the new Friedkin Group project.
David Moyes was a keen admirer of Delap after he shone for Ipswich Town in the Premier League last campaign.
The interest from the Toffees was there for all to see as Delap was Everton’s statement of the summer.
Unfortunately for Everton though, it was Chelsea who landed the 22-year-old as Delap wanted to win trophies, which he felt Moyes couldn’t offer.
Nevertheless, it might actually be Everton laughing now after a new development at Chelsea.
Liam Delap of Chelsea looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Chelsea development will make Liam Delap regret Everton rejection
It seemed like Everton couldn’t offer anymore, as it was clear that The Friedkins pushed hard for the transfer to happen.
In the years to come, the hope is that the Toffees will be an admired place to play football, but that’s what the owners must build on after Delap’s rejection.
Many Everton fans suggested Delap made the wrong move, and that might have started to come to fruition after a David Ornstein announcement on Chelsea.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The journalist revealed an exclusive that Brighton forward Joao Pedro has agreed a deal to join the Blues this summer.
This could ultimately spell trouble for Delap as another striker option alongside the competition of Nicolas Jackson won’t make him too happy.
Pedro’s higher fee might offer him more chances in front of Delap, as he would certainly not have had any problems with game time at Everton.
Ben Godfrey tried to endorse Everton to Delap, and the striker might be wishing he had listened now.
READ MORE: How many clubs are actually interested in signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Everton exit
Everton have emerged as true winners after Delap fiasco
It might seem like the striker could be questioning his decision to pick Chelsea.
The reassurances were there from Moyes and Everton, but obviously Delap could prove all the doubters wrong.
For now though, it’s certainly looking like the Toffees have come out on top, as not only could Delap regret his move, but Thierno Barry looks like a much more astute signing.
Barry could arrive for less than £33m, which could make the whole move cheaper than Delap’s £30m, with Villarreal willing to help Everton.
But also, statistically, Barry edges it when you compare the two strikers.
Liam Delap in the Premier League Thierno Barry in LaLiga 24/25
Games played 37 35
Goals 12 11
Chances created 21 24
Shots on target per 90 1.10 0.97
Aerial duels won 58 102
Touches in opposition box 106 134
Delap still has plenty of promise, and he has the chance to shine, but his game time will certainly be lessened with the arrival of Pedro.
Meanwhile, Barry has the platform to thrive, and Delap might be thinking that could have been him.