The first domino has fallen in the Premier League elite’s search for a new striker. Several of the big hitters in the top flight are on the lookout for a no.9 this summer, including Liverpool.
Several names have been linked to a variety of clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal, with Hugo Ekitike, Julian Alvarez, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen all mentioned as possibilities.
But it’s Chelsea who has struck first and confirmed the transfer of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for a reported £30 million ($40M) fee. The 22-year-old has signed a six-year contract after Chelsea met his buyout clause.
He had previously been linked with United, plus Newcastle United and Everton. Liverpool was also mentioned in reports earlier this year, but it seems Anfield decision-makers are prioritizing elsewhere for now.
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap told Chelsea’s website. “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.
“I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
“The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”
Liam Delap
Delap attracted widespread interest across the Premier League. (Image: Getty Images)
Posting on social media, the striker also thanked Ipswich for his solitary season at the club. “I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Ipswich Town for everything they have done for me during my time at the club.
“We didn't achieve our ultimate goal, but the welcome I received and the ongoing support the manager, his staff and the supporters gave the players meant it was the perfect environment for me to play regular Premier League football for the first time in my career.
Meanwhile, another European super club is searching around for a striker. Like the Premier League giants, Real Madrid is said to be underwhelmed by the options on the market.
Roberto Firmino
Could Firmino return to European football?
So much so that it is considering a short-term option to provide a stopgap solution for the 2025/26 season.
Spanish outlet AS reports that Roberto Firmino is one of the names under consideration to sign as a “veteran no.9”, with Real looking for a forward at “a reduced price”.
The report adds Ante Budimir and Willian Jose are other options, with Xabi Alonso looking to enhance his options at the Bernabeu next season.
Should he move to Madrid, it would be a shock return to the European game for 33-year-old Firmino, who joined Al-Hilal in 2023.