Liam Delap rejected a move to Newcastle United in favour of Chelsea this summer, but he could be left regretting his decision despite winning the Club World Cup.
With Callum Wilson’s exit confirmed, it is clear that Eddie Howe wants a new striker to partner Alexander Isak on Tyneside.
Newcastle United have already secured the services of Anthony Elanga this summer, but they are hungry for more additions before the start of the 2025/26 season.
Howe was delighted with the signing of Elanga, a target he has been chasing for more than a year. His arrival now means his recruitment team can look at targets in other positions. Newcastle wanted to sign Liam Delap following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League. He had a £30m release clause, and several other clubs were interested in him.
Despite talks with Howe, Delap opted to sign for Chelsea. The decision looks to have paid off for him immediately, with Chelsea beating Paris Saint-Germain to lift the Club World Cup. However, it could soon go pear-shaped for him if the last two games are a reflection of what is to come at Chelsea this season.
Joao Pedro takes Liam Delap’s place as Chelsea win the Club World Cup
Things were looking good for Delap at Chelsea, having scored in the group stage and starting in their round of 16 and quarter-final games during the tournament.
However, the tide suddenly shifted when Joao Pedro signed for Chelsea and immediately took his place in the starting XI. The Brazilian had been relaxing on the beach a week prior, but was now thrown straight into the starting XI for the Blues.
Pedro scored a brace on his debut and found the net again in the final to help Chelsea topple the European giants to lift the first Club World Cup of the expanded 32-team format.
Like Delap, Pedro rejected a move to Newcastle to join Chelsea. The Magpies were big admirers of the 23-year-old and were actively in talks before it all broke down.
Delap was brought on in the second half of the final, but the game was already a foregone conclusion with Chelsea 3-0 up.
- READ MORE – Anthony Elanga names his best friend in football after Newcastle United move, it’s not Will Osula
Why Liam Delap chose Chelsea over Newcastle United
With Chelsea making PSG, who had dominated Inter Milan in the Champions League, look like easy work, it is clear that Enzo Maresca’s side will be one to watch next season.
The Blues have a packed-out squad, with a number of players available in each position, so they should have no trouble maintaining fitness next season.
Newcastle could have got their striker search over and done with in the early stages of the transfer window had Delap decided to join them, but he instead opted for the London-based club over Tyneside.
After signing, Delap stated he wanted to win trophies with Chelsea and believes a move there gives him the best opportunity. He could have become a legend on Tyneside playing alongside Isak, but instead, he risks becoming a second-choice behind Pedro.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
