The battle for Liam Delap is intensifying in the final stretch of the summer transfer window. Both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have officially thrown their hats in the ring for the 23-year-old Chelsea forward. They’re joining Everton, who have been keen on him for a while, making this a pretty crowded Premier League pursuit.
Delap came to Chelsea from Ipswich Town back in 2025 for a hefty £30 million, but he just couldn’t lock down consistent starting time in West London. With manager Xabi Alonso building his attack around João Pedro, Chelsea seems prepared to let him move on permanently.
Right now, the main sticking point in the negotiations is the difference in what Chelsea wants for him and what the interested clubs are willing to pay. People at Chelsea are reportedly looking for around £50 million, pointing to the going rate for young, homegrown strikers in the Premier League who have secure contracts. However, the clubs chasing him, with Everton, Leeds, and Forest leading the charge, think a deal closer to £40 million is more realistic.
What Delap himself wants most is to play regularly, not just be a squad player. And importantly, he’s made it known that he’d prefer to move back up North. This is exactly why he recently turned down an offer from Como in Italy, and it gives both Everton and Leeds a clear advantage as the talks speed up.
