Delap to Chelsea, the Right Solution for the “Blues”?

Good news has continued to come to Chelsea over the past week. After entering the top five of the Premier League and winning the Europa Conference League, they are now looking ahead to the next season. "The Blues" have reached an agreement with Ipswich Town to bring in 22-year-old striker, Liam Delap.

Delap has become the target of many clubs in recent weeks, including Manchester United and Newcastle United. In addition to being talented, he is sought after due to having a release clause of 30 million pounds (Rp 695 billion) in his contract if Ipswich is relegated.

Ipswich is confirmed to be relegated next season. The clause is also active. Delap seems to be sold at a discounted price. Among many clubs, Chelsea has succeeded in winning the battle. The player prioritizes "The Blues" partly due to the factor of competing in the Champions League next season.

According to The Athletic, Friday (30/5/2025) WIB, Delap only needs to complete a personal contract with Chelsea. The summer transfer window will open earlier this time, starting June 1, to facilitate the needs of the Club World Cup. Chelsea is participating in the tournament.

Delap, who scored 12 goals, is the only player under 23 years old to achieve double-digit goals in the English League during the 2024-25 season. "In terms of numbers, he has done something fantastic. Moreover, he also has a distinctive playing style and fighting spirit," said Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca.

Ipswich brought in Delap from Manchester City last summer for a fee of 15 million pounds. Although Ipswich finished in 19th place, Delap made a significant contribution to improving the team's performance with 32 starting appearances. His goal tally even accounted for one-third of the team's total goals.

The question is, will a pure striker or "number 9" type player be a solution for Chelsea or merely an investment? Delap indeed has potential, but "The Blues" need a sharp striker who is ready to shine on the highest stage. They are facing issues in that position.

The current main striker for Chelsea is Nicolas Jackson. When compared to the strikers of top teams, such as Alexander Isak (Newcastle) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Jackson's productivity is still significantly lagging. He has only scored 10 goals from 30 appearances in the league this season.

Jackson's efficiency in front of goal is often questioned. Like this season, according to The Analyst data, he got a chance of 12.34 xG (expected goals). This means that Jackson recorded a deficit of -2.34 xG when compared to the goal achievement or is ranked 12th worst.

Delap's goal record is indeed not much different from Jackson's. However, it is worth noting that he is on a team with the third fewest goals. Interestingly, Delap demonstrated high efficiency with a record of 12 goals from only 9.34 xG. He is significantly better at capitalizing on opportunities.

In the Ipswich-style counterattack scheme, Delap showcased his advantages. The England U-21 national team player possesses a driving force akin to a locomotive when running with or without the ball. The robust player is very difficult to stop, especially when at full speed.

The character of Delap will complement the creative midfielder Cole Palmer, who requires a sprinter figure at the opponent's defensive line. If Delap can score double-digit goals with minimal support, he should be able to thrive even more when supported by Palmer and his teammates.

The problem is that the enemy of most young players is consistency. This issue was demonstrated by Delap in his debut season in the English League. He scored six goals for Ipswich in just 11 initial matches, before his goal-scoring dried up. He has not scored again in the last seven matches.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna stated that young players need as much support and exposure as possible. "In terms of ability, he is already on par with other (top) players. He is honing his skills well; it remains to be seen how that (trend) can be continued," he said.

The next question was directed at Chelsea. If Delap does not score in five consecutive matches, will he still be fielded? Moreover, considering Chelsea's ambitions over the past few seasons, Delap is likely not the only striker who will join.

Performance, playing time, and confidence are interrelated aspects. Chelsea's talented forward, Christopher Nkunku, has experienced all these issues this season. The former French national team player is struggling to compete within Maresca's squad.

Maresca remains realistic despite having very high hopes for Delap. "It is still too early to compare Liam with Harry Kane or Haaland. However, in terms of playing style, they are all pure 'number 9s'," he said.

As a talented young striker of English descent, Delap's price tag is considered low. From an investment perspective, Chelsea has already "struck gold" by acquiring him. However, when it comes to solutions for the main issues facing "The Blues," Delap seems to be far from addressing those concerns. (AP/REUTERS)