Chelsea FC want Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but any transfer for the former Manchester City forward is unlikely to be completed next month. Delap, 21, has been having a fine debut season in the Premier League, netting six goals and providing one assist in 17 league appearances so far.
Enzo Maresca's Admiration for Liam Delap
Chelsea’s interest in Delap is long-standing, with Blues head coach Enzo Maresca well-acquainted with the striker from their time together at Manchester City. Maresca coached Delap for a season while working with the City Development Squad. Reflecting on Delap’s abilities, Maresca praised the young forward, highlighting his impressive work rate, goal-scoring prowess, and footballing intelligence.
Liam is a great player. For his age, we spent one year together and I think that season he scored 22 or 24 goals," said Maresca. "He is a very good striker. England is lucky to have players like him who understand the game both on and off the ball and can score goals."
Chelsea's Likely Move for Delap
Despite their admiration for Delap, any move from Chelsea to secure his services next month is not likely. Maresca has noted that at the age of twenty and a half years, with all his potential, Delap is an important player in the future for Chelsea as well as for the national team of England. With the January window closing in, Chelsea will prioritize other transfer targets.
Delap's situation therefore brings back memories of the rise of Cole Palmer at Chelsea. Like Delap, Palmer also worked with Maresca while at Manchester City before he completed his transfer to Stamford Bridge. The rise of Palmer at Chelsea could mean Delap might also go down that path, but according to Maresca, not every player's route will be the same. Palmer has been a revelation at Chelsea, and the club will be hoping for similar breakthroughs from other young talents in the future.
Chelsea vs. Ipswich: Delap Faces Former Mentor
Chelsea will go up against Delap's Ipswich Town in the coming Premier League game. Chelsea, who lost that thrilling Boxing Day encounter with Fulham, would look to get back into rhythm with a vital three points against Ipswich at Portman Road. Delap will no doubt be one of the key men for Ipswich, and Chelsea's backline must be at its best to cancel him out.
Enzo Maresca on Ipswich Manager Kieran McKenna
Maresca also spoke to compliment the opponent's Ipswich Town manager, Kieran McKenna, who's been doing amazingly so far ever since joining in. Kieran McKenna had a link to the Chelsea head coach position earlier before the appointment of Maresca, and today's matchday will pit two coaches whose match will decide Chelsea's push towards the top.
Ipswich are doing fantastic work under Kieran McKenna," said Maresca. "They have been performing at a high level, and I must congratulate him for the excellent work he has done since joining the club."
Conclusion
While Chelsea's interest in Liam Delap is clear, any move is unlikely to be imminent. For now, Maresca and Chelsea will turn attention to their forthcoming fixture with Ipswich Town and the continuing push for success on the pitch in the top flight. Delap will be a player to watch in this fixture, and his performance could affect Chelsea's pursuit of future talent.
With the January transfer window looming, all eyes will be trained on who goes where, including Chelsea's possible move to make an offer for Delap or look elsewhere.
