FOOTBALL
Posted on February 21, 2026 12:00 am | Updated on February 20, 2026 11:30 pm
Everton made Chelsea forward Liam Delap their top summer target. That headline alone tells that this summer window could get heated quickly. The Toffees have stepped forward with serious intent and the Blues seem ready to listen. That said, Delap’s future at Stamford Bridge hangs in the balance.
Everton Moving Quickly As Liam Delap Struggles For Impact
Delap arrived with a £30 million price tag and huge expectations to Chelsea. One year later, the story around him has changed. As per reports, Everton are keeping tabs on the young forward. In addition, the Blues are prepared to make a deal if the numbers feel right.
The Toffees have identified Delap as one of their main targets for the upcoming window. That is not just a transfer rumour. This comes as a direct response to a season where goals have been hard to come by for the player. The attacking spark has faded at key moments as well.
The west London club signed Delap from Ipswich after fighting off strong interest from other Premier League clubs. The move looked bold at the time. He was seen as a young striker with top-flight experience and raw power. It felt like a smart long term play. But, players rarely get patience at the highest level of football.
The 23-year-old has found it difficult to show his game this season. Injuries disrupted his early spell and when chances came, the performances were limited. Two goals in 24 appearances across all competitions does not show a good campaign. For a club chasing consistency, that form raises tough questions.
Jamie Carragher on Liam Delap: “It was a bad move, honestly, to Chelsea.
I just think young players, when they’re on a journey getting better, this idea that the jump for me from Ipswich to Chelsea is too big, you need something in the middle.
Everton, playing centre forward… pic.twitter.com/HrOqxzJU9a
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) February 12, 2026
Meanwhile, Everton see an opportunity where others see doubt. They believe Delap’s profile fits their system. They think that regular minutes could bring the best out of the striker. That said, the Merseyside club are ready to test Chelsea’s resolve.
Chelsea Ready To Sell After Poor Campaign
Liam Rosenior’s side are not shutting the door. Reports suggest they are willing to approve a transfer if the right offer lands on the table. The aim is to simply recover as much of the £30 million investment.
The English attacker has found himself behind Joao Pedro in the pecking order. The Brazilian’s form has been sharp and leaving limited space for rotation. Even after a solid display against Hull, Delap is likely to return to the bench against Burnley.
There is also a bigger debate around whether the step up came too soon for Delap. Some voices around the club feel a loan move might have helped his growth. Others believe confidence has been the missing piece rather than his ability.
At the moment, the Blues are entering a key rebuild phase. So, every decision now carries more weight. Given that, selling the young forward would not be seen as a poor call. It would be a reset and a move that frees up funds. In addition, it opens space for fresh competition as well.
Emmanuel Emegha Arrival Signals Shift In Attack
Chelsea have already lined up more options for the squad. Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha is set to arrive in the summer. He has signed a seven year deal with the west London side. That is not a short term move, it is a clear statement of trust in the youngster.
Meanwhile, Emegha has impressed in Ligue 1 last season. He scored 14 goals under Rosenior. His pace and direct running will add a different factor to Chelsea’s frontline. With Joao Pedro in form and Emegha joining, Delap’s path to regular starts looks very unlikely.
This situation feels decisive for all sides. Everton are pushing with purpose and Chelsea are weighing their options. In the meantime, Liam Delap stands in the middle of it all. With that, this summer could define his next chapter.
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