Liam Delap has opted to join Chelsea over Newcastle United for £30m this summer.
It was a transfer saga that looked set to last the whole summer, but has ended sooner than many expected.
Liam Delap has informed Newcastle United of his desire to join Chelsea following their UEFA Conference League win on Wednesday night.
It is believed that Delap rejected Newcastle due to concerns over game time, with Alexander Isak undoubtedly the Magpies’ first-choice striker. Delap would have cost Newcastle £30m this summer, but they must now look elsewhere for the striker who can provide key goals when Isak is unavailable.
Eddie Howe needs a striker this summer due to Callum Wilson’s drop in form and upcoming contract expiry, coupled with William Osula’s inexperience, despite showing glimpses of promise this season.
As Newcastle now look for alternatives, Howe should look no further than a brilliant striker who is available on a free transfer this summer.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Newcastle United should sign Jonathan David after Liam Delap’s transfer call
If there is a striker who has already proven he is worthy of a big move this summer, then Jonathan David is exactly that.
The Lille forward has been sensational in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, registering 37 goal contributions in all competitions.
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David has announced he will leave Lille this season, and Newcastle are very interested in his signature. Reports earlier in 2025 stated Newcastle sent scouts to watch David during a Ligue 1 game against Nice, where he bagged an assist.
However, Newcastle face competition from Barcelona for David, who is available to sign on a free transfer right now.
There are several big teams in Europe desperate for David’s signature, but Newcastle will be confident they can get a deal over the line after securing Champions League football next season.
Jonathan David’s statistics compared to Liam Delap
While Delap does get his big move to Chelsea, who are also Champions League qualifiers alongside Newcastle, the Magpies are still in a good position to bring in new faces in the upcoming transfer window.
The Magpies must act fast on getting a deal done for David, as Serie A champions Napoli and Juventus are both looking to find an agreement with the Canadian international.
A deal for David means Newcastle would save the £30m it would have cost for Delap, so they will be able to afford to offer David a higher salary.
2024/25 Statistics (all competitions) Jonathan David Liam Delap
Appearances 49 40
Goals 25 12
Assists 12 2
Referred to as a ‘superstar’ in the past, David could form a lethal partnership with Isak that would undoubtedly put fear into any defence in the Premier League.
Signing David would also make Newcastle a much bigger threat in the Champions League. The Magpies have struggled with depth this season but a player like David would not only give Newcastle another body, but a striker who already has experience of playing and scoring against the top teams in the competition.