Xabi Alonso’s impending arrival at Stamford Bridge looks set to have immediate ramifications for the future of Liam Delap ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s been an incredibly difficult debut season for Liam Delap, with the forward struggling to adjust to the immense pressure of Stamford Bridge after his £30 million move from Ipswich Town last summer.
Having managed just one Premier League goal all season, an exit this summer is looking likely, as clubs like Everton and Newcastle United keep tabs on Delap.
Given his season-long struggles, caretaker manager Calum McFarlane handed Delap a rare opportunity to lead the Chelsea line from the start against Tottenham. However, the striker turned in another frustratingly quiet performance, as he was heavily subdued by Spurs’ backline, failing to register a shot on target.
Does Liam Delap deserve a chance under Xabi Alonso?🤔
Perhaps he can work his magic on him!
Liam Delap's Chelsea stats against Tottenham
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Delap set to leave Chelsea this summer
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea are now ready to sell him.
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager, who will begin his role on 1st July on a four-year contract, has accelerated these plans.
Alonso has requested a top-quality striker to bolster the squad, prompting the club to consider moving on players who do not fit his vision.
Emanuel Emegha is set to join from sister club Strasbourg in the summer, so they won’t be short of options. Especially with Nicolas Jackson returning from his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Who was your Man of the Match tonight?
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea need to be ruthless under Xabi Alonso
If Chelsea are to become an elite force again, Xabi Alonso must instill a culture of absolute ruthlessness.
The Blues cannot afford to carry players who fail to perform at the highest level week in, week out. Highly expensive signings like Alejandro Garnacho, who heavily underwhelmed this season, and Liam Delap, who completely struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge, must not be afforded endless second chances.
Alonso needs to draw a line in the sand: anyone who cannot meet his demanding tactical standards or lacks the confidence to drive this project forward must be moved on immediately this summer.
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