Chelsea tipped to sell ‘mouthy’ player back to his former club

Chelsea will be busy in the summer transfer window. Multiple players are expected to join, as well as depart.

Liam Delap is one player facing uncertainty. The 23-year-old has flopped in his first season, in fact, his £30 million move from Ipswich Town might go down as the club’s worst-ever pieces of business.

Despite suffering an injury early in the campaign, the forward has scored just one goal in the Premier League since — awful numbers from a player expected to lead the line week in, week out.

It is no surprise speculation his first season at Stamford Bridge will be his last is mounting, and Alan Smith has been the latest pundit to offer up his thoughts.

Alan Smith wonders if Ipswich will re-sign Liam Delap

Smith, who spoke to Best Betting Sites, as quoted by the Metro, is expecting the Blues to cut their losses in the summer and has even suggested a move back to Portman Road could be on the cards for Delap.

“Well, it’s certainly not worked for him at Chelsea. It’s not been easy circumstances at all.

The club has been in turmoil, really. He doesn’t look like a Chelsea player. He’s got some rough edges there.

Whether they could be knocked off, I don’t know. But he suited Ipswich a bit better. I still think he could join a mid to maybe a European challenging team.

But I think sometimes he gets too involved in the physical side of things, and he’s a little bit mouthy as well. He got booked again the other day for dissent.

Maybe that’s a bit of frustration showing, but he would regard it as a failure, I’m sure, to go back to Ipswich. But who knows?

I think Chelsea might think they can get him out and get somebody else in.”

During his only season with Ipswich, Delap scored 12 goals in 40 games in all competitions.

The striker was certainly a popular figure in Suffolk, and following the side’s recently confirmed promotion back to the Premier League, may be in line for a surprise return.

A move elsewhere in everyone’s best interests

Sadly for Delap, the expectations at Chelsea have proven too much for him. He clearly lacks what’s required to be the Blues’ focal point.

He’s still young, though, so has plenty of time to reinvent himself elsewhere before attempting to make the step up again.

While Delap may not want to leave Chelsea, the possibility of returning to Ipswich is not a bad shout from Smith.

Fans could definitely see the 23-year-old back at his former club. He’s already proven he’s too good for the Championship and that’s why continuing in the Premier League but without the same pressure may be the best solution.

If Chelsea can recoup anything, it will be a bonus. But one thing is for sure, a proven striker must be brought in in the summer and BlueCo cannot afford to get this one wrong.