Liam Delap is being tipped to break the so-called curse of Chelsea’s No 9 shirt and establish himself as England’s future leading striker. The 22-year-old forward recently completed a £30 million transfer from Ipswich Town and is already making an impression at his new club. Despite Ipswich’s relegation last season, Delap managed to score 12 goals and showed enough promise to attract interest from several Premier League clubs.
He now finds himself in direct competition with Nicolas Jackson for the starting striker role as Chelsea gear up for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta. Delap, however, appears unfazed by the pressure or the history that surrounds the No 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge a number previously worn by high-profile strikers like Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Torres who failed to live up to expectations.
Delap’s familiarity with his new coach, formed during their time together in Manchester City’s academy, played a significant role in the forward’s decision to join Chelsea. The striker was reportedly pursued by Manchester United, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest, but ultimately chose Chelsea, drawn by a clear vision of how he could fit into the team’s style of play and develop under a manager who already understands his strengths.
From the start, Delap has shown a mature and focused mindset, determined to add precision and hunger to a Chelsea attack that has often lacked clinical finishing. He has embraced the challenge of leading the line and has taken ownership of the iconic shirt with confidence and optimism.
The coaching staff has reiterated that starting positions must be earned through hard work and performance in training. Delap has responded well, integrating quickly and showing signs of the form that once saw him net over 24 goals in a single season at youth level. His ambition to eventually claim a spot in the England senior squad underscores the drive that has already won over many at the club.
Alongside Delap, Chelsea have been active in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with several young talents, including Andrey Santos, Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders, and Dario Essugo. The club is also looking to add a new winger following the return of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, with Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund among the potential targets.
In goal, the hierarchy appears clearer for now, with Robert Sanchez maintaining his position as the first choice. Filip Jorgensen remains the backup, while Petrovic, after a successful loan spell, is expected to leave the club. Despite interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, Chelsea are taking a measured approach to reshaping their goalkeeping options.
