Jacob Raw

Fri 1 May 2026 20:10, UK

Liam Delap’s potential move to Everton would see David Moyes have three strikers to choose from while deploying a one-up top formation.

The Toffees are interested in signing the number nine this summer, and reportedly have him high up on their list of targets with three other Premier League stars.

Moyes wanted to sign a striker in the January transfer window, and was linked with the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri, Santiago Castro, as well as Delap.

The Englishman has failed to impress at Stamford Bridge following a £30million move from Ipswich Town last summer, as he could be made available for transfer in a few months.

Everton may have to go all out for Delap in regard to their budget for the summer, but selling one of Thierno Barry or Beto would also be crucial for a couple of reasons.

Why one of Beto or Thierno Barry need to leave this summer

Everton will only pursue Delap if the money is right, with the Friedkin Group keen to test the waters with other targets across Europe if not.

That may heavily depend on who comes in as Chelsea manager, as the Blues will then need to quickly decide on what to do with the forward.

Delap struggled to get game time under Enzo Maresca earlier in the season, but was played more under his former Hull City boss, Liam Rosenior, before the latter’s sacking.

The feeling is that the 23-year-old will depart Stamford Bridge this summer either on loan or through being sold, but Everton themselves would then need to adjust their squad.

Beto and Barry have battled for a starting spot at Hill Dickinson this season, but Delap’s potential arrival would put the game time of both at risk.

Barry is young and needs to play, while Beto has settled for being a back-up option in the past. With that being said, Everton could look to loan Barry out if they sign Delap, or any other first-choice number nine this summer.

Why Delap’s time with Ipswich should convince Everton

There have been some whispers to say that not everyone at Everton are keen on Delap, and given his form for Chelsea this season, that’s understandable.

But why is it that when he played for Ipswich Town in the Premier League last campaign, he was one of the most underrated attackers in the division?

That’s because he was the main man, as the Tractor Boys played to his strengths, and in doing so, almost miraculously stayed up.

Just look at his stats from the 2024-25 season below; he’s Premier League quality.

He’s a modern target man, and offers much more than Beto and Barry do, with bally carrying abilities that were on display at Portman Road last term.

It would be a smart move for the Toffees to make, but they can’t blow their whole budget on trying to sign him.

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