Everybody knows the real reason Liam Delap is rejecting Chelsea solution

Chelsea have had their fair share of failed signings over the years, and while it feels harsh to dub Liam Delap as a failed signing this early in his Chelsea career – and indeed his career in general – he is well on his way to being one.

The Blues spent £30million on Delap last summer, snapping him up from Ipswich Town, and it was a questionable decision at the time to replace a more experienced and at least semi-proven Nicolas Jackson with Delap, who had never played for a top club.

Jackson, meanwhile, had played European football before even arriving at Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca and the club chiefs saw Delap as a better option. That decision has not aged well.

Jackson has gone on to be a reliable deputy to Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, while Delap has scored just twice in 37 games across all competitions.

It’s been a real struggle for Delap, who hasn’t looked ready to play at a club at the standard of Chelsea. It’s a signing that resembled that of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who didn’t look ready for the move at Stamford Bridge, and that has been proven by his ability to thrive elsewhere, with Everton.

The difference with Delap is that he is only 23 years of age, so Chelsea are unlikely to give up on him just yet, but there will be questions over whether he has a place in next season’s team, whoever the manager will be.

According to Simon Phillips, Chelsea are frustrated by Delap’s lack of process, and as they assess the path bath forward, they have reportedly offered the striker to Strasbourg.

The real reason Liam Delap is rejecting Chelsea solution

But the report claims Delap has rejected the move, wanting to stay at Stamford Bridge and prove himself. That may well be because he will feel as though another big move is unlikely given his recent form, and this may be his only chance to make it at the top. Chelsea will be frustrated by that, but the decision may ultimately lie with whoever gets the head coach role.

Delap is going to have to win over the new boss and win a battle for minutes against a much more polished Joao Pedro, while Jackson could yet return next season following his loan spell with Bayern Munich.

Chelsea may also go out and sign a new striker, and if they do, that could mean Delap is left with little choice but to go out on loan. Ultimately, Delap will want to be playing, and if the new manager informs him he won’t get minutes next season, the striker’s stance may well change quickly.