Chelsea Want £20m Profit On Liam Delap After He Scores Twice In His First Season

Chelsea are prepared to sell Liam Delap for more than £50million, one year after signing the striker from Ipswich Town for £30million.

The 23-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer after Chelsea activated his release clause following an impressive season in which he scored 12 Premier League goals for relegated Ipswich. He signed a six-year contract running until 2031.

His first year at Chelsea proved considerably less productive in front of goal.

Delap scored twice in all competitions during a difficult debut season and has struggled to establish himself among Chelsea’s attacking options. Standard Sport reported that the club are now prepared to cash in, with Nottingham Forest and Everton among those showing interest.

Chelsea’s valuation has been less affected.

The Blues are asking for more than £50million, meaning a deal at that level would represent a profit of at least £20million on a player whose first season at the club produced two goals.

Delap remains a highly rated young striker with significant Premier League experience, while the long-term contract he signed last summer leaves Chelsea under little pressure to accept a reduced fee. His 12 goals for Ipswich had previously made him one of the standout young forwards in the division.

Forest and Everton will therefore have to decide whether a difficult season at Stamford Bridge has changed their assessment of him.

Chelsea appear to have reached theirs.

Delap cost £30million after scoring 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich. One season and two Chelsea goals later, the asking price is now more than £50million.