Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 22 April 2026 18:47, UK

Everton are interested in signing Liam Delap from Chelsea in the summer.

The Blues will certainly be in the market for a centre-forward, and the English striker, who was wanted last summer, has remained on their radar.

Under Liam Rosenior, Delap has once again struggled to get game time, just as he did under Enzo Maresca earlier in the season after making his £30million move.

However, with Rosenior officially sacked by Chelsea, that could be set to change the future of the striker, who may believe there is hope yet under a new face in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Additionally, it could also change Everton’s transfer plans ahead of the summer window.

How Liam Rosenior sack could affect Everton’s interest in Liam Delap

Delap has not had a good time at Chelsea, and even the striker would admit it. Perhaps in hindsight, he would have chosen Everton last summer.

However, the Englishman could yet have that chance, with Everton said to still have serious interest in Delap ahead of the summer window.

However, the decision from Chelsea to part ways could end up having a knock-on effect for the Toffees, with any new potential manager having the chance to decide whether the Englishman is in their plans.

As it stands, the London outfit will not make a decision over their next manager until after the season ends.

Which in itself poses a problem for Everton. There could be a delay on Chelsea’s end on whether to sanction a transfer.

The next Chelsea chief could ultimately rate the Englishman highly and give him at least pre-season to prove his worth.

In any case, David Moyes cannot afford to wait on Delap as Everton did last summer. In the end, the Toffees moved on to Thierno Barry, and that deal has fallen short of expectations.

The same mistake cannot be repeated with the Blues awaiting a final answer on their top target.

Who could Everton turn to sign instead?

Luckily, it seems the Blues have plenty of options on their shortlist ahead of the summer window.

Troy Parrott has been linked with Everton after impressing in the Eredivisie. Additionally, Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju is being monitored by the Toffees as well.

Elsewhere, Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez has been linked over recent weeks.

So, it is clear that the Blues are not short of options, but if Delap is at the top of their list, that must surely change now to avoid last summer’s errors.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.