Liam Delap: Chelsea’s Future England Striker?
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca boldly predicts Liam Delap will be a future England star,fueling excitement around the young striker’s potential. Delap,recently acquired for £30 million,has been given a strong vote of confidence,with Maresca highlighting his potential to fill the coveted number nine role. News Directory 3 delves into the implications of this endorsement, exploring Delap’s reunion with Maresca and the dynamics within the Chelsea squad, including competition from Nicolas Jackson. However, the article also addresses Chelsea’s pursuit of a new left winger, specifically mentioning Jamie Gittens.Delap’s arrival,coupled with the club’s roster adjustments,sets the stage for an engaging season. Discover what’s next for the Blues as they navigate the transfer market and prepare for upcoming competitions.
Maresca Backs Liam Delap as Future England Star,Chelsea Eyes Winger
Updated June 16,2025
Chelsea’s manager,enzo Maresca,expressed strong confidence in new striker Liam Delap,suggesting he could become a key player for England.Maresca’s endorsement comes as the team prepares for its Club World Cup opener against Los angeles FC in Atlanta on Monday.
Delap, 22, recently signed a six-year contract with Chelsea after a £30 million transfer from Ipswich. The move reunites him with Maresca, his former manager at Manchester City’s academy. last season, Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances.
Maresca highlighted Delap’s potential to become England’s next prominent No. 9. “I don’t have any doubt that he can be in the future england number nine,” Maresca said. He added that Delap’s familiarity with his coaching style,stemming from their time with Manchester City’s Under-23s,makes the transfer a mutually beneficial arrangement.
While Delap joins Andrey Santos and teenage acquisitions Dario essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Mike penders as new additions to the Chelsea squad, Maresca noted that Delap will face competition from Nicolas Jackson for a starting position.
Maresca also indicated Chelsea’s need for a new left winger, particularly after the club opted not to sign Jadon Sancho. “So without a doubt that is a position that probably we need to do something,” Maresca said, mentioning Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Ty George as current options.
Chelsea is reportedly considering renewing its interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens after a previous £42 million bid was rejected.The transfer window reopens Monday.
Regarding the goalkeeper position, Maresca affirmed his confidence in Robert Sanchez, despite earlier interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. He stated that Sanchez is the primary choice, with Filip serving as the second option.
What’s next
Chelsea will evaluate Penders in the coming weeks to determine his future role within the team. The focus remains on strengthening the squad for upcoming competitions.