Chelsea have handed Liam Delap another significant indication of his position in Xabi Alonso’s squad after taking the No.9 shirt away from the £50million-rated striker.
Joao Pedro will wear No.9 for the 2026/27 campaign, with Delap reassigned to No.12 after wearing Chelsea’s main striker number last season.
Chelsea officially confirmed the change on Wednesday as preparations continue for Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham.
It comes alongside another development which raises further questions over Delap’s future.
The Times reports that Delap is currently training outside Alonso’s main first-team cohort alongside Nicolas Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Liam Delap has lost the No9 shirt at Chelsea and is among a group of players who are training separately from the rest of the first team. The group also includes Tosin Adarabioyo and Nicolas Jackson @peterrutzler reports 🔽 https://t.co/9CSdeZS95d
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) August 19, 2026
Liam Delap Chelsea future takes another turn
Chelsea sources have stressed that the separate training group should not simply be viewed as a collection of unwanted players, with some members working on their fitness.
Delap’s inclusion is still notable given the uncertainty surrounding his future.
The 23-year-old is available for around £50m after joining Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30m last summer.
His competition has also increased significantly.
ReadChelsea reported on Wednesday that Emmanuel Emegha will remain in Alonso’s first-team squad, placing further pressure on Delap and Jackson before the transfer window closes.
Joao Pedro’s status looks very different.
Chelsea have not only handed the Brazilian Delap’s former shirt. The club have also moved to reward Joao Pedro with improved terms despite six years remaining on his existing contract.
Delap had wanted to stay and prove himself under Alonso, but Chelsea’s latest decisions provide a clearer picture of the attacking hierarchy.
A shirt-number change alone does not guarantee a transfer, and there is currently no suggestion that an exit is agreed.
Combined with his £50m availability and place outside the main training group, however, Delap enters the final part of the window with his Chelsea position looking increasingly uncertain.
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