Chelsea demands £40M for Liam Delap amid Everton interest

Chelsea paid £30 million for Liam Delap barely a year ago. Now they want £40 million to let him leave.

Everton have emerged as the primary suitor for the 23-year-old striker, who triggered a release clause to leave Ipswich Town for Chelsea in June 2025. The problem for the Toffees: Chelsea’s asking price reportedly sits at £40 million, a number that looks ambitious given Delap’s output since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

The numbers tell the story

Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town in the 2024/25 season. That was the performance that convinced Chelsea to trigger his release clause and hand him a contract running through 2031.

Since making the move to west London, the returns have been considerably less exciting. Delap has managed just 13 goals across 67 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.

Everton’s play and the bidding gap

Everton reportedly explored a move for Delap last summer before Chelsea swooped in. This time, they’re coming back with what appears to be genuine intent, though their valuation doesn’t quite match Chelsea’s expectations.

The Toffees are said to be preparing a bid in the £30 to £35 million range. That’s a meaningful gap when Chelsea’s floor is reportedly £40 million.

Newcastle United have also been linked with interest, which could create a competitive dynamic that pushes the price closer to Chelsea’s target.

Delap’s contract runs until 2031. There’s no urgency to sell from a contractual standpoint, but Chelsea clearly want to reshape their squad.

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