Chelsea’s acquisition of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town prompts an analysis of how the 22-year-old might integrate at Stamford Bridge.
This summer feels pivotal for forwards in the transfer market.
With many clubs appearing to seek a new centre-forward and several potential targets rumored to be available, the first significant move was bound to draw attention.
Unsurprisingly to many, Chelsea have taken the lead.
The Blues have finalized a £30 million agreement to secure Liam Delap’s signature from Ipswich Town, reportedly outpacing Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton in the race.
Table of Contents
Liam Delap’s Impact at Ipswich and Chelsea’s Need for More Goals
Ipswich’s return to the Premier League was disappointing, with relegation confirmed several weeks before the season ended. However, Liam Delap stood out as a rare positive, netting 12 goals in 37 league appearances.
Out of those 12 goals, 10 were from open play, with no other Ipswich player scoring more than four times. Delap’s 12 goals exceeded his expected goals (xG) of 9.3 by 2.7, indicating he outperformed the underlying numbers.
The 22-year-old also took 48 shots inside the penalty area, at least double the total of any teammate, highlighting how Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna relied heavily on him as the focal point of their attack.
But does Chelsea actually need another striker? Under Enzo Maresca, they finished fourth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification and adding the UEFA Conference League to their trophy haul.
Still, six teams scored more than Chelsea’s 64 league goals this season. Even 17th-placed Tottenham matched that tally, though it was an impressive figure for a club so low in the table rather than a criticism of Chelsea.
There is clearly room for improvement. Only champions Liverpool (83.5) recorded a higher expected goals (xG) total than Chelsea’s 69.2 this season. Yet, Chelsea were one of the Premier League sides who most underperformed their xG by more than eight goals, alongside Crystal Palace (-12.4), Manchester United (-11.5), and Southampton (-8.2), suggesting the potential to convert more chances in the future.
Evaluating Chelsea’s Striking Options and Delap’s Fit at Stamford Bridge
Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s primary striker, netting 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances this season from an expected goals (xG) of 12.3. He has underperformed his xG in both seasons at Chelsea, scoring 14 goals from 18.7 xG in 2023-24. Meanwhile, Delap posted a better shot conversion rate this season, scoring on 17.7% of his attempts compared to Jackson’s 13.2%.
Jackson is also likely to be away for about a month next season due to the African Cup of Nations, making it crucial for Chelsea to have alternative options.
With Christopher Nkunku expected to depart and young talent Marc Guiu possibly heading out on loan, bringing in another striker seems logical.
Some may question Delap as the signing given the contrasting styles Ipswich and Chelsea employed this season. Ipswich favored a more direct approach, quickly delivering the ball to their key forward, while Chelsea’s style was slower, relying on a higher volume of passes during buildup.
However, Chelsea aren’t taking a gamble. Maresca is familiar with Delap from their time together at Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, so Delap already understands his new manager’s tactical preferences.
Additionally, Delap and Cole Palmer have frequently played together at youth level for both City and England, which could pave the way for a productive partnership at club and international levels.
Beyond goals, what else can Chelsea expect from their £30 million investment?
Delap’s Strengths: Ball Carrying, Work Rate, and Intelligent Movement
Delap is a forward who thrives with the ball at his feet, making 26 progressive carries — defined as moving the ball at least five metres — that ended with a shot in the Premier League this season. No other central striker in the league matched that figure, and at Chelsea, only Noni Madueke completed more (37).
His physical presence also saw him engage in 413 duels, more than any other central striker, although his success rate of 38% suggests room for improvement. With time and experience, that percentage should increase as he learns how to better impose himself physically against defenders.
Off the ball, Delap’s work rate is equally impressive. Only four players in the league recorded more than his 976 pressures, and in the final third, only Dominic Solanke (559) and Alexander Isak (447) bettered his 411 pressures — highlighting his relentless energy in pressing opponents.
Delap’s movement is another key weapon. He frequently looks to run in behind defenses — something Cole Palmer could exploit to great effect. Of his 594 off-the-ball runs when Ipswich were in possession, 274 (46.1%) were made in behind the opposition’s backline. By comparison, Jackson made only 184 such runs from 657 total off-ball movements for Chelsea (28%).
However, Delap may need to tweak that aspect of his game at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea often face opponents defending with a deeper line than Ipswich encountered.
In his final outing of the season against West Ham, Delap demonstrated his intent, making 12 off-the-ball runs while Ipswich had possession, with seven of them ending in the Hammers’ penalty area — three ahead of the ball, four in support, and five running in behind.
How Delap’s Role Could Change Under Maresca at Chelsea
Maresca will have a clear vision of how he wants to utilize Delap, but it’s likely to differ from the role he played at Ipswich, where he was primarily used as a hold-up striker. Only Jean-Philippe Mateta (80), Jørgen Strand Larsen (78), and Paul Onuachu (57) recorded more hold-up plays in the Premier League this season.
Interestingly, Delap might not necessarily see more of the ball at Chelsea. Nicolas Jackson averaged just slightly more touches per 90 minutes (30.9) than Delap (28.3) in league play, although Jackson saw significantly more of the ball inside the penalty area (6.2 touches per 90 compared to Delap’s 3.7).
Their respective touch maps also show a curious pattern — Delap surprisingly had more touches in wide areas, particularly on the left. This was likely down to necessity, with Ipswich often struggling to progress the ball upfield as effectively as Chelsea.
Delap’s physical style extends to his defensive aggression. Only Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (73) committed more fouls than Delap (72), and no player in the league received more yellow cards (12, level with Sasa Lukic and Flynn Downes). That could be a concern for Chelsea’s disciplinary record, given the Blues already led the Premier League in yellow cards this season (99), repeating their unwanted feat from 2023-24 (105).
Despite the competition his arrival brings, Delap’s signing shouldn’t unsettle Jackson’s place as Chelsea’s first-choice striker. Instead, Maresca will likely rotate between the two depending on the opposition and match scenario, particularly with the demands of Champions League football and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup set to stretch Chelsea’s squad over a long and demanding campaign.
FAQs
Why did Chelsea sign Liam Delap?
To add depth and competition up front. His goals, pressing, and intelligent movement fit Maresca’s style.
How does Delap compare to Nicolas Jackson?
Delap had a better shot conversion (17.7% vs. 13.2%) and is stronger at running in behind, complementing Jackson’s game.
Will Delap need to adapt at Chelsea?
Yes. He’ll shift from a direct, hold-up role at Ipswich to fitting into Chelsea’s slower, possession-based approach.
Is his discipline a problem?
It could be. Delap picked up 12 yellow cards last season. Chelsea already lead the league for bookings, so he’ll need to improve.
What’s his role next season?
He’ll provide competition for Jackson, with Chelsea needing depth for a packed schedule including the Champions League and Club World Cup.
