Everton hold talks to sign Chelsea striker
August 17, 2026 03:25
Everton have held talks with Chelsea about a possible transfer for Liam Delap, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. The discussions follow Chelsea signalling openness to letting the striker leave and reports that Delap would prefer to remain in the Premier League.
Chelsea paid £30m for Delap after signing him from Ipswich Town last summer, but after a debut season in which he scored two goals in all competitions the club is said to be willing to consider offers of about £40m. Everton previously tracked Delap while he was at Ipswich and have revived their interest.
KEY CONTEXT
- Delap moved from Ipswich Town to Chelsea in the 2025/26 summer window for a reported fee of £30m.
- His first season at Chelsea yielded two goals in all competitions, which the source describes as a difficult debut campaign.
- Everton had been interested in Delap during his time at Ipswich, and those prior links have led to renewed contact between the clubs.
- Fellow Chelsea striker Nicolás Jackson has been linked with moves (reported interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United) but is reported to be intent on staying at Chelsea under manager Xabi Alonso.
WHY IT MATTERS
- For Chelsea, entertaining offers for Delap would be a notable decision given they signed him only last summer; the reported asking price of around £40m would represent a higher fee than their purchase.
- For Everton, the player is a familiar target from his time at Ipswich, and talks reopen a pathway to add a forward with Premier League experience despite a low scoring return in 2025/26.
- Nicolás Jackson’s linked exit — alongside Chelsea’s willingness to move Delap — highlights potential forward-line reshaping at Stamford Bridge, with squad decisions still in flux.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Everton will meet Chelsea’s reported valuation of around £40m and if both clubs can agree terms.
- Confirmation of Delap’s own preference to remain in the Premier League and whether that influences the outcome.
- The future of Nicolás Jackson: whether any of the reported interest materialises or he remains at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso.
- The transfer window deadline on September 1, 2026, which is the last date for any move to be completed.
KEY FACTS
- Everton have held talks with Chelsea over Liam Delap, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
- Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer for a reported £30m.
- He scored two goals in all competitions in his debut season with Chelsea.
- Chelsea are reportedly prepared to consider offers of about £40m for Delap.
- Nicolás Jackson has been linked with interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle but is reported to be determined to stay at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso.
- The summer transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.