Newcastle United must pay £40 million for Liam Delap — £10 million more than they were willing to fork out last summer — after Chelsea made a decision on the striker's future. The Magpies and Everton are said to be weighing up an offer for the 23-year-old after new Blues boss Xabi Alonso reportedly decided that he could leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea demand £40m for Delap
The west London side will demand £40 million for the striker in order to make a healthy profit after signing him from Ipswich Town a little over 12 months ago. Newcastle were one of several sides to make a move for Delap when it became clear he would leave Portman Road following their relegation to the Championship in 2025.
However, in what was to be the first of a series of transfer blows that summer, Delap opted to move to Chelsea in a £30 million deal.
Delap's mixed Chelsea spell
He made a positive early impression, scoring as they won the Club World Cup, but his season soon hit issues with early injury problems. While he featured in 41 games for Chelsea, he only managed two more goals all season, one against Barcelona in the Champions League, while his only Premier League goal came in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in January. He only started 12 league games under Enzo Maresca and then Liam Rosenior, and reports indicate that new head coach Alonso has sanctioned his exit this summer.
Italian side Como are keen on a deal, but the player is believed to want to remain in the Premier League, which has alerted Newcastle and Everton.
Newcastle's attacking struggles
United have struggled for goals since Alexander Isak left for Liverpool in 2025, with Yoane Wissa unable to make a big impact after his £55 million move from Brentford. Club record signing Nick Woltemade started his time on Tyneside well, but the goals dried up in the second half of the season, and youngster Will Osula ended the season in the first team. The Denmark international scored five goals in the final seven games, and opened his account for pre-season in the 1-1 friendly draw with RC Strasbourg on Sunday.
Whether they will rekindle their interest in Delap remains to be seen, although his 12 goals for Ipswich in the 2024-25 season suggests he could yet flourish in the Premier League. Newcastle are hoping to add an experienced midfielder to their ranks, but could look at their attacking options before deadline day on September 1.
