How Liam Delap really feels about Joao Pedro's move to Chelsea

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 15 Aug 2025 09:39 BST
• 5 min read

News

Liam Delap remains happy at Chelsea, despite the fact he has seemingly been usurped by Joao Pedro as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice striker.

The England U21 international secured a €35.5 million move to Stamford Bridge in June, after snubbing the likes of Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United, and he was expected to become the new starting centre forward in west London.

Current ETV

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Chelsea

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Chelsea

€26.2M

ETV Range

€23.6M - €28.8M

View full profile

However, the aforementioned Pedro arrived halfway through the Club World Cup and he scored three goals in three appearances at the tournament to help fire Chelsea to eventual glory.

The Brazilian subsequently netted in both of Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies versus Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, and he heads into the new Premier League season as the preferred option through the middle.

Despite this, Delap’s father, Rory, has confirmed that the former Ipswich Town superstar is thoroughly enjoying life at Chelsea and doesn’t regret his move to Stamford Bridge.

What has been said?

“Liam is really enjoying his time at Chelsea,” Rory admitted during an interview with FourFourTwo. “We watched a lot of the Club World Cup games in America and although we weren’t too sure about it at the start, it really grew in the later rounds and was a good competition.

“The biggest thing for us is that Chelsea didn’t just go there to take part, they went there to win it. That mentality suits Liam down to the ground because he wants to win trophies and be successful - that’s why he joined Chelsea. Thankfully, he’s already won one early on, but hopefully there’s a lot more to come.

“Liam knows he’s going to have to compete for his place in the team and make it his own - he’s under no illusions about that. That said, he’s confident in himself and we just hope both Chelsea and Liam can have a successful [time] together.”

Delap scored 12 goals in 40 appearances for Ipswich last season and although he faces significant competition from Pedro, he is likely to receive significant game time this term, with Nicolas Jackson expected to leave Chelsea before Transfer Deadline Day.

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