It is safe to say that Chelsea need to improve in this summer transfer window. Xabi Alonso’s appointment was a step in the right direction. But a lot of work remains to be done. If the right players are not signed, there is no guarantee that the Spaniard will be able to get a result out of this team. BlueCo have done well to bring him. Now, they must back him.
The issue is that Chelsea are not in a great position financially. The means that the club might need to let go of some players first, if they want to fund new arrivals.
There might be some options worth considering in this respect when it comes to the striker department. Joao Pedro is the first choice there. Nicolas Jackson is also returning. Emmanuel Emegha has been signed from Strasbourg. That leaves Liam Delap and Marc Guiu in no man’s land in football terms.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for them. But Delap has been tipped to make a reunion with Kieran McKenna at Fulham, if he does end up getting the Craven Cottage job. According to talkSPORT, the Ipswich Town boss is interested in replacing Marco Silva in the dugout.
Delap tipped to reunite with McKenna at Fulham
Alex Crook said when asked about the idea that Delap could join McKenna at Fulham:
“Very good question. Well, obviously Raul Jimenez has left.
“He’s in talks with Wolves, by the way a lot of their fans would welcome that return, so yes it [Delap to Fulham] could be a good shout.”
Obviously, the two worked together at Ipswich Town. And Delap enjoyed his best success at the senior level under McKenna.
So, it is not hard to understand why a reunion might appeal to him. Especially after how badly things have gone for Delap since joining Chelsea.
Why Chelsea letting Delap go right now makes sense
Delap joined Chelsea last summer and it was seen as a brilliant move. The £30 million transfer fee was viewed as a bargain and many felt he was ready to be a starter.
There was a history with Enzo Maresca as well. The two had worked together very successfully at the youth ranks for Manchester City. So, it was believed that the Italian knew exactly how to get the best out of Delap. His aggressive style also drew comparisons to Diego Costa, a favourite at Stamford Bridge. Overall, it felt like a great match.
Delap went on to score one Premier League goal in the entire campaign. After an output like that, it is hard to expect a club like Chelsea to continue to trust him.
There is a possibility that Chelsea could recoup most of the transfer fee they paid to sign Delap if they parted ways this summer. But if they wait and he goes on to have another campaign, those chances might be over.
