It would be safe to say that Chelsea’s recruitment has been poor in recent times. Despite record spending, they have not been able to put together a team that even qualifies for the Champions League consistently, forget about competing for major trophies. Naturally, some changes are needed if the club want to hold on to the few top players they have been able to sign.
One signing that has not worked out at all for Chelsea is that of Liam Delap. The English striker had enjoyed a solid 24/25 campaign with Ipswich Town, even though they were relegated. And when the Blues activated his £30 million release clause, it was viewed as a bargain.
At that point, Enzo Maresca was Chelsea’s manager. The two had worked together in the City Academy. And Delap had scored freely under the Italian’s coaching. As a result, it was seen as the perfect move and a step forward towards the Blues becoming title contenders again.
Unfortunately, things have not gone according to expectations. Delap has scored just three times since joining the Blues. He looks to have been a bad stylistic fit from the beginning. While the Englishman thrived with the space and timing provided to him at Ipswich Town, he has looked lost against low blocks that he faces at Chelsea. Now, he is being linked with a move away.
Newcastle United linked with Liam Delap but Chelsea would want €80 million player
Newcastle United have been suggested as a club that are interested in Delap. But Chelsea might not make it easy for them to come in and get the Englishman, despite his poor form.
According to Simon Phillips (via The Chelsea Chronicle), if Newcastle United arrive for Delap in the summer, the Blues are going to ask about Nick Woltemade.
Chelsea were linked with Woltemade last summer before Newcastle United signed him. And it looks like the Blues could reignite that interest, if the Magpies do come calling for Delap.
Would Woltemade be the right fit for Chelsea?
Woltemade is a unique profile for sure. He has a physical presence, standing at 6′ 6″, but at the same time, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. That is unusual for a centre-forward of his size.
Woltemade actually made a brilliant start for Newcastle United. He scored four goals in his first five Premier League appearances after joining the Magpies. But lately, things have dried up for the German striker.
Woltemade has not scored in the Premier League since mid-December. In fact, his last goals came against Chelsea, as he scored a brace in a 2-2 draw before Christmas.
More recently, Woltemade has even been deployed as a second striker or as a number 10. That goes to show his versatility. But at the same time, it is a sign that he is not scoring enough goals and Eddie Howe is trying other solutions.
That being said, there are a ton of other things to like about Woltemade’s game. He can hold up the ball. The German can play with his back to the goal. And he is great at linking up with others. One could argue that Howe is not getting the best out of him.
Woltemade is the type of striker who can make those around him better just with his gravity. That could be great for a team like Chelsea, where he will be surrounded by players like Cole Palmer, Estevao, and more.
If Chelsea do sign him, one would imagine it would be to play him as a striker. He scored 17 goals in 33 appearances for VfB Stuttgart last season. So, he does know his way to the back of the net. Can that translate to the Premier League? So far, it has not, at least not on a consistent basis.
