Liam Delap looks destined to struggle at Chelsea after turning down a move to Everton.
The Toffees were among several clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer after it was revealed that his contract included a £30 million relegation release clause.
Everton held negotiations with Liam Delap that were thought to be favourable. Delap, on the other hand, turned on Everton in favour of Chelsea, and he is expected to complete his transfer to the East London club in the coming days.
Everton want a striker this summer, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract expiring and little hint that David Moyes will renew it. The England international’s departure would leave Everton with only Beto and Youssef Chermiti as options up forward, so additional talent is needed ahead of the new season.
Moyes can now spend freely this summer, and he intends to do so. Everton completed the signing of Carlos Alcaraz on a two-year contract on Sunday, kicking off their summer recruitment campaign.
With Delap likely to finalise his move to Chelsea, a new report suggests that he may not have the best start at his new club due to a decision by Enzo Maresca and the Blues’ recruitment team.
Chelsea to sign another striker after Liam Delap rejects Everton switch
Delap seemed impressed after speaking with Everton. The youthful striker would be guaranteed consistent first-team play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, giving him the opportunity to show that his form for Ipswich Town was not a fluke.
However, with the promise of first-team play and Champions League appearances next season, Chelsea’s offer proved too enticing for Delap.
While the move to Chelsea appears to be a good fit on paper, Maresca has admitted that he is still seeking for another striker beyond Delap, leaving his prospects of starting each week in doubt.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to acquire a second striker after Delap, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike the top target.
According to the source, discussions between Chelsea and Ekitike are scheduled for later this week.
Everton eyeing Bundesliga striker after missing out on Liam Delap
With Moyes set to sign a striker for Everton, he must now go elsewhere after losing the race for Delap.
All hope is not lost, as Moyes has now set his sights on the ideal replacement for the Englishman who now competes in the Bundesliga.
| Nick Woltemade | Bundesliga Statistics |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
Everton are interested in Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, who scored 12 goals in the German top flight this season, matching Delap’s total for Ipswich.
While no price has been disclosed, Everton will be backed by the Friedkin Group this summer, so they should be more than willing to disburse the monies needed to sign him.
