Chelsea FC striker Liam Delap is being allowed to leave the club just 14 months after moving to Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old was making his Premier League debut for the club at this stage last year after joining from Ipswich Town when his £30m release clause was triggered.
What happened to Delap?
Delap has been deemed surplus to requirements after scoring just once in the league in the previous campaign, with Chelsea FC securing his signature amid competition from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton.
Why is Delap's future uncertain?
Sources close to any potential move said interest has been limited, not because clubs doubt Delap's ability and potential, but because his £50m asking price is viewed as too high following a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.
What comes next for Delap?
It remains to be seen whether the club will reduce their demands for Delap, but they are expected to have three other strikers in their squad next season - Joao Pedro and new signings Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck. With the new season approaching, Chelsea FC is currently 22 points behind leaders Arsenal, and their league standing is 6th in the Premier League, with 48 points from 32 games, and a recent form of LLLWL.
As the club endured a troubled campaign, Delap played under three different managers and suffered hamstring and shoulder injuries that affected his physical style of play and contributed to a loss of confidence. His priority is to gain regular first-team football, whether on loan or in a permanent departure, although it remains unclear where he could end up.
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea FC is looking to reduce its squad size, currently at around 40 players, to a more traditional 25-man party, particularly in a season without European football. The club has shown a willingness to negotiate later in the transfer window, with defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi both leaving on loan despite the club initially attempting to sell them permanently.
How are Chelsea FC coping with reducing squad size?
The reality of Chelsea FC's wider situation is that they need to be transactional as they look to reduce the size of their squad. They are beginning to make headway in finding moves for players beyond Delap, with Disasi given permission to travel for a medical with Crystal Palace amid ongoing negotiations over a loan deal.
Omari Kellyman and Deivid Washington are nearing moves to Chelsea FC's partner club Strasbourg, while Badiashile has undergone a medical at Napoli. One loan place remains available at Strasbourg, with both Mykhailo Mudryk and Dario Essugo under consideration. However, both players are also attracting interest from Premier League clubs, while defender Mamadou Sarr is also expected to join another Premier League club on loan.
Adarabioyo is attracting interest from Benfica, Marseille, and Premier League clubs. Aston Villa are known to be interested in Jackson, but that will depend on the future of Ollie Watkins, while there remains some uncertainty over Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Malo Gusto despite their involvement in Alonso's first-team squad.
It also remains unclear where Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, and Caleb Wiley could end up, with all three available either on loan or as permanent transfers. Young Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is also expected to be recalled from River Plate and sent on loan elsewhere.
As the new season approaches, Chelsea FC will look to build on their current form, having scored 53 goals and conceded 41, with a goal difference of +12. With the right squad balance, the club will aim to improve their league standing and close the gap with the leaders.
