Liam Delap’s future at Chelsea has become one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the summer, with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton all showing interest in the England Under 21 striker.
Chelsea are understood to be open to a permanent sale, with reports suggesting the club could demand a fee in the region of £40 million to £50 million. The situation has gathered momentum after Delap lost the number nine shirt to João Pedro ahead of the new season, a decision that has increased speculation about his place in Xabi Alonso’s plans.
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in June 2025 after an impressive Premier League campaign. Chelsea triggered a reported £30 million release clause to bring him to Stamford Bridge, where he signed a contract running until 2031. At Ipswich, he scored 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances and was regarded as one of the most promising young English strikers in the division.
His first season at Chelsea, however, proved considerably more difficult. Delap made 28 Premier League appearances, including 12 starts, but scored only one league goal according to Premier League statistics. Across all competitions, Chelsea recorded 41 appearances for the striker, with two goals during the campaign.
That return has left Chelsea considering their options as Alonso reshapes the squad. The club have a large group of attacking players, and reducing the size of the squad has become an important part of their summer plans.
The change to Delap’s shirt number has been particularly significant. João Pedro, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Chelsea last season, has taken the number nine shirt, while Delap has moved to number 12. Chelsea have not announced that the change means Delap must leave, but it has added fuel to the transfer speculation.
Nottingham Forest are believed to be among the clubs most interested in taking advantage of the situation. Forest are looking for additional attacking strength and see Delap as a player who could provide a different option in the final third. Their interest has become more understandable following changes to their forward line.
Leeds United have also entered the picture. It could create a genuine contest if Chelsea receive a formal proposal. Leeds are looking to build a competitive squad and would see the striker’s age and previous Premier League experience as attractive qualities.
Everton are another club watching closely. The possibility of signing a young striker with the physical profile and Premier League experience of Delap is understood to be appealing.
The biggest question is whether any of the interested clubs will meet Chelsea’s valuation. Chelsea paid around £30 million to sign Delap only last year, so a sale close to £40 million would represent a sizeable increase. A £50 million agreement would go even further and give Chelsea a significant financial return.
For Delap, the decision is equally important. At 23, he needs consistent playing time to rebuild his confidence. His physical strength, direct running and ability to occupy defenders remain qualities that could make him valuable to another Premier League club.
The player’s preference could ultimately become the decisive factor. Recent reports indicate that Delap would prefer to remain in England if he leaves Chelsea, despite interest from clubs outside the Premier League. That preference would strengthen the position of Leeds, Forest and Everton in the race.
Delap has a long contract, is still young and has already shown that he can score at Premier League level. On the other hand, Chelsea may believe that selling now is the better solution if Alonso does not see him as a central part of the project.
Chelsea will also have to consider timing. A late offer could force the club to choose between accepting a fee and retaining a player who may have room for improvement.
With the transfer deadline approaching, the situation could develop quickly. No agreement has been confirmed with Leeds, Nottingham Forest or Everton.
For now, the striker remains a Chelsea player, but the growing interest from three Premier League clubs has placed his future firmly under the spotlight. The next proposal, the player’s preference and Chelsea’s final valuation could determine where Delap begins the next chapter of his career.
