Liam Delap and Chelsea travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this Saturday to take on Everton.
The 23-year-old is fit to play, but Joao Pedro will be expected to start. He is firmly Chelsea’s first-choice striker.
It is one reason why Delap must now be wondering whether signing for the Blues was the correct decision.
Starting to think Jamie Carragher has a point…😬
Jamie Carragher on Liam Delap
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liam Delap will regret not signing for Everton
Delap could have been lining up for Everton this weekend instead of Chelsea. The Toffees were keen on signing him after his successful season at Ipswich Town.
In fact, David Moyes even confirmed Everton’s interest in Delap, but the Englishman ended up joining their Premier League rivals.
Fast forward to now, and it is probably a decision that Delap regrets. Again, he is playing second fiddle to Pedro and has really struggled this term.
Not everything is his fault. The Englishman has had a couple of serious injuries since joining Chelsea.
However, he has still managed to make 31 appearances in all competitions. Across those games, Delap has only scored twice.
Liam Delap of Chelsea reacts
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Playing week in, week out at Everton in a team that are a bit more direct, his numbers would have been drastically better.
There is still a chance of the England Under-21 international moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at some point. Last month, it was reported that Everton are still keen on Delap.
Chelsea signing a new centre-forward could also push Delap to the exit door this summer.
Lautaro Martinez has been linked to Chelsea, while there have also been rumours about his Argentina teammate Julian Alvarez.
What’s the most you’d be willing to spend on Lautaro Martinez? 💸
Lautaro Martinez's potential transfer fee
Photo by Andrea Rosito/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Another No.9 will definitely be added to Liam Rosenior’s squad, as Emanuel Emegha officially joins the Blues in the next transfer window. Delap could easily fall further down the striker pecking order at Stamford Bridge, which would probably cause him to regret not signing for Everton, if he does not already.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox