Liam Delap's Chelsea future unclear after two goals in 41 games in 2026

Chelsea striker Liam Delap managed just two goals in 41 appearances during his first season at the club.

Disappointing debut campaign Liam Delap's first season at Chelsea saw him score only one Premier League goal among two strikes across 41 matches in all competitions, ending the year on a run of 26 games without a goal. When he joined Stamford Bridge a year ago, the England Under-21 forward had set a personal target of securing a place in the country’s World Cup squad, but progress has fallen short of those early ambitions. Injuries and limited game time have been cited as factors behind his struggles, despite delivering 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town the season before. Chelsea triggered Delap’s £30 million release clause last May, beating competition from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Everton to sign him. ## Delap’s commitment to Chelsea remains strong The 23-year-old has reaffirmed his dedication to Chelsea, insisting he needs at least another season to silence critics. His commitment is evident in his decision to purchase a home nearby, while coaching staff including Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and Calum McFarlane have praised his professionalism behind the scenes. Delap’s main challenge has been competing with Joao Pedro, who arrived in a £55 million move from Brighton and quickly established himself as a key forward. Unlike Delap, Pedro is now considered untouchable in Chelsea’s squad, alongside Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Moises Caicedo. ## Transfer possibilities and squad challenges Chelsea are not actively pursuing Delap’s exit, but his modest transfer fee could make him an easier sell if needed. The club’s failure to qualify for European competition next season reduces match opportunities, adding pressure to trim the squad size. Nicolas Jackson is set to return from his Bayern Munich loan, with his previously strained relationship with former manager Maresca no longer a concern. Emmanuel Emegha, signed permanently from Strasbourg last summer, is expected to integrate into the team in 2026, while Xabi Alonso’s arrival as new manager on 1 July will play a pivotal role in shaping the squad’s future. ## Injuries derail Delap’s early progress Those close to Delap acknowledge he has failed to meet expectations under difficult circumstances. He did score in the Club World Cup, which counted as a competitive goal, and reiterated his aim to push for England’s World Cup squad over the coming season. His season began brightly with a goal in his first start, a 5-1 away win at West Ham, but a torn hamstring sustained in his third league appearance against Fulham sidelined him for over two months. Chelsea initially considered recalling Jackson from Bayern but instead brought in Marc Guiu from Sunderland on deadline day as a temporary replacement. ## Setbacks and tactical challenges Just a month after returning from his hamstring injury, Delap suffered a dislocated shoulder during a match against Bournemouth, limiting his ability to play to his usual standard and affecting his form. Former youth coach Enzo Maresca had planned to rotate him with Joao Pedro, who can play across multiple positions, but Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day disrupted Delap’s development. Under new manager Liam Rosenior, Pedro became the preferred starting striker and thrived, scoring 20 goals across all competitions, while Delap managed just three league starts in the final four months of the season and completed 90 minutes only three times. ## Broader struggles in Chelsea’s attack Delap’s final Premier League season saw him score once from an expected goals total of 4.86, marking the second-largest underperformance in converting chances in the league. Winger Alejandro Garnacho also managed only one Premier League goal after his £40 million move from Manchester United, while Cole Palmer ended a 14-game goal drought for club and country on the final day of the season. Pedro Neto contributed with assists but went scoreless in his last 20 Premier League appearances, and £48.5 million signing Jamie Gittens managed just one goal across all competitions during an injury-affected campaign. ## Squad uncertainty and upcoming decisions The futures of several Chelsea players remain unclear, with Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella both publicly criticising the club and expressing interest in leaving. Fernández, valued at £120 million, is exploring options, while Atlético Madrid have shown interest in Cucurella, who has two years left on his contract. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen wants to move to a starting role elsewhere, while Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo face uncertain futures with only two years remaining on their deals. Benoit Badiashile struggled to secure matchday squads late in the season and may depart. ## Looking ahead to 2026-27 season Chelsea finished 10th without a trophy and now aim to bring in more experienced players to bolster the squad. The club faces pressure to sell well to fund transfers, with UEFA’s settlement agreement still limiting acceptable financial losses. Alonso’s appointment as manager and potential transfer offers will be critical in determining the futures of multiple players. The situation remains fluid, with many individuals unsure of their next move as the new campaign approaches.