Premier League legend Alan Shearer thinks Liam Delap is a great signing and believes the deal was a “no brainer” for Chelsea.
The Blues made Delap their first summer signing after agreeing a deal with Ipswich worth £30m, and he’s likely to be one of several new faces at Stamford Bridge.
Delap was one of Chelsea’s top targets and the Blues did well to beat off stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle.
Shearer thinks Delap will be a great signing
Delap gives Chelsea a much needed different dimension in attack as well as an alternative for Nicolas Jackson, which the Blues have lacked.
The 22-year-old scored 12 Premier League goals in his first season and has worked with Maresca previously in the Manchester City academy.
Delap will also reunite with Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia having played with the duo during his days in the youth team at City.
Palmer believes Delap is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and Shearer thinks he will be a great signing for the Blues.
“I do like him. For £30m, I think it’s a no-brainer. I think Chelsea have got a great deal,” he told The Rest Is Football.
“I gather there were other big clubs in for him, so for Chelsea to get him at that price is, for me, very, very good business. He’s only going to get better.
“I think he’s a bit old-fashioned. He’s like a throwback from what a centre-forward was 20, 30 years ago when they were all in fashion.
“Aggressive, horrible to play against, doesn’t mind mixing it up, can run in behind. Obviously scores goals. The number of goals he scored in a really struggling team that is only going to get better
“I think at his age, with the ability he’s got now, I think he’s got a really bright future. I would have liked to have seen Newcastle get him, but for whatever reason, he’s decided to go to Chelsea. I think that’s a really smart move for them.”
Chelsea debut at Club World Cup
Delap will wear the number nine shirt and is set to make his debut at the Club World Cup, with Chelsea’s first game against Los Angeles FC on June 16th.
The striker has been left out of the England squad for the under-21 Euros and will instead head to America with the Blues.
Chelsea could look to add another striker and have been linked with Hugo Ekitike, but it’s unlikely any potential deal would be done in time for the tournament.
Kudus plus ekitike and gitten will be good additions for the first team . Plus two CBs one of them Hato . Get Doukore from Strasbourg he is good for the team , he plays different position as a defender . If west ham wants Sanchez sale him to them and petrovic doesn’t want to comeback sale him too . I hope those rumour links to the club will sign for the CWc for the reinforcement and plus they’re back in UCL . About Ronaldo CFc should get him from FA good for the club and for merchandise . His well known player with loads of fans base . Mr business man boehly and co …. Bring in Ronaldo , he still has his magic .