How Liam Delap to Chelsea could ALTER the 2025 transfer market

Cameron Smith

• 29 Nov 2024 21:30 GMT
• 4 min read

Chelsea are firmly interested in signing Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap next summer following his impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign.

The England U21 international left Manchester City to join Ipswich on a permanent deal in July and he has scored six goals in 12 Premier League appearances since his €17.9 million move to Portman Road.

Delap’s eye-catching form has attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Manchester United both monitoring his progress, according to The Athletic.

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Although Man Utd have scouted Delap on several occasions, Chelsea have linked with pursuing a deal for the 21-year-old for a little while longer and they could launch a formal offer in 2025.

However, if the Blues decide to sign Delap next summer, it could drastically alter the 2025 summer transfer market for a host of players and clubs.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through the domino effect that could happen if Delap joins Chelsea.

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Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen has been Chelsea’s priority centre forward target for over 12 months, however their pursuit of the Nigerian would end if Delap is signed.

Therefore, he could be forced to join Arsenal or Man Utd instead. Both clubs have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old and Chelsea’s potential decision to sign Delap could open the door for either club to finalise an agreement with Napoli.

Christopher Nkunku

Delap arriving at Chelsea would almost certainly end Christopher Nkunku’s career at Stamford Bridge.

While Enzo Maresca has insisted that he wants to keep the Frenchman, Nkunku would reportedly be open to leaving west London in search of more regular game time.

He is currently the club’s back-up number nine, but signing Delap would essentially render Nkunku as a disposable asset and Chelsea could look to offload him.

Man Utd have been linked, but a return to Paris Saint-Germain would be the most likely transfer for the 27-year-old.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

In addition to Nkunku, PSG are also interested in signing Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, despite the presence of Bradley Barcola.

However, if the Parisians end up signing Nkunku, amid his reduced role at Chelsea, it could enable Man Utd to add Kvaratskhelia to their pool of attacking riches in 2025.

The Georgia winger has recently been linked with a surprise move to Old Trafford, which may in turn lead to the departure of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho.

Marc Guiu

Delap to Chelsea would come as nightmare news to Spain U19 international Marc Guiu.

The Barcelona academy graduate left Camp Nou to join Chelsea this summer, but his first-team opportunities have been limited and he hasn’t been included in a Premier League matchday squad since September.

He is only 18 years old, of course, but Delap would push him down the pecking order and that would likely lead to a loan, or potentially a permanent, exit.

Armando Broja

Armando Broja is highly likely to be sold by Chelsea next year, but Delap’s arrival would confirm the end of his career at Stamford Bridge.

The Albanian has struggled for fitness over the past few years and he is extremely unlikely to ever play for Chelsea again.

Benjamin Sesko

Chelsea signing Delap could give Arsenal a free run at signing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

The two London giants have been heavily linked with signing the Slovenia international over the past year, but Chelsea could withdraw from the race for his signature if they land Delap.

As a result, Arsenal could be given the perfect chance to sign him, which could in turn lead to Gabriel Jesus’ departure. Lois Openda would also likely remain at Leipzig, despite links with several Premier League clubs.

Man City

Manchester City have the option to re-sign Delap in 2025, having inserted a buy-back clause in his Ipswich contract.

However, they will be forced to pursue alternative forward targets if he joins Chelsea.

Erling Haaland is set to sign a new contract, but Pep Guardiola is in desperate need of a back-up to the Norwegian and Evan Ferguson is among the players who could be considered amid his lack of game time at Brighton & Hove Albion.