It looks like Chelsea fans may have changed their minds on transfer target Liam Delap after watching his latest Ipswich Town performance in the defeat to Manchester United.
Ipswich striker Liam Delap, 22, has been heavily linked with a potential move to Chelsea. Therefore, Blues supporters are keeping a very close eye on his progress this season.
During Wednesday night’s trip to Old Trafford, Ipswich suffered a 3-2 away loss against Man Utd in a Premier League fixture.
It was a super frustrating match for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich side because they played against 10 men for the entire second half. Delap is so often the talisman for his team this season, but he didn’t really get any change out of the Man Utd defence.
| Minutes | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Shots on target | Successful dribbles | Chances created | Duels won | Duels lost | Match rating |
| 90 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2/4 (50%) | 0 | 5 | 10 | 6.0 |
Delap is on Chelsea’s transfer list as Blues head coach Enzo Maresca keeps bringing up the Ipswich centre-forward in conversations. In fact, Chelsea are frontrunners to sign Delap and the player is intrigued by a possible move to Stamford Bridge.
The English youngster is leading the line for 18th-placed Ipswich, who look destined for relegation, but he’s proven he can mix it in the top division.
Chelsea fans change mind on Liam Delap
Back in November, Chelsea fans were comparing Delap to Diego Costa and were onboard with the reported plans to try sign the Ipswich star. It looks like there may have been a shift now, though.
Blues fans on social media are now suggesting that Delap may not be ready to start for them after watching his quiet display against Man Utd in midweek…
One fan said: “Delap is not ready for Chelsea. Do not buy that guy.”
“I didn’t see what the Delap y’all wanted did today or he only performs against Chelsea?” another wrote.
One supporter posted: “I’m sorry but Chelsea need better than Delap. We need a first choice striker and one that can handle the pressure of the Champions League and the league. Delap is too young and underdeveloped for what we need right now.”
“If Chelsea signs Delap in the summer then I know the club is finished!” another claimed.
One fan stated: “Delap is not ready for Chelsea.”
Chelsea were in the mix for Delap in January before he ended up staying put at Portman Road. When you consider this is his first full season in the top flight, 10 goals in 26 Premier League matches for Ipswich so far is a healthy return.
However, we can understand the reservations from some Blues fans about whether he’s good enough for them.
Liam Delap could struggle replacing Nicolas Jackson
While we’re desperate to see Chelsea sign a new central striker in the summer, it would be preferable to see a proven forward arrive to put big pressure on Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson, who’s currently injured, has been the first-choice No 9 for the Blues this season. The 23-year-old’s very much still a work in progress, though.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Shots on target % | xG | Shot-creating actions | Successful take-ons |
| Liam Delap | 26 | 10 | 2 | 44.9% | 7.9 | 52 | 30 |
| Nicolas Jackson | 23 | 9 | 5 | 47.6% | 11.4 | 62 | 17 |
As you can see above, there’s not a great deal between the two Premier League forwards in terms of statistics.
They both hold the ball up superbly well and have so much potential as young talents that will definitely improve, but Chelsea may be better off searching for the more finished article in the transfer market.
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