‘Badly advised’, Everton may give lifeline to Chelsea reject with transfer move

David Moyes’ Everton is targeting European spots but the dearth of regular goals upfront will be Blues’ major concern as they head towards the end of the season.

Everton’s need for a reliable centre-forward is no secret. David Moyes’ side have scored just 32 goals in 28 Premier League games this season, a return that explains why the club are prioritising attacking reinforcements this summer. Thierno Barry and Beto have shared duties, but neither has fully convinced as a long-term solution.

One name has resurfaced as a serious target. The 23-year-old striker joined Chelsea for £30m last summer but has managed just one Premier League goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge. Now, with head coach Liam Rosenior looking at other options, an exit looks increasingly likely.

Delap was ‘Badly Advised’ on Chelsea move

Keith Wyness, who served as Everton CEO between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy, believes the player made a significant error in choosing Chelsea over other suitors. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness was clear in his assessment.

“I think this is a strong possibility. I know that he was high on the list and I think he made the wrong mistake and was badly advised going to Chelsea,” Wyness said.

The former chief executive believes a move to Everton would benefit both parties. “I think he would really benefit from playing under David Moyes and playing with Everton. I think he’s exactly the type of striker that we need right now, and I think he would get the right game time and I think he’d do very well in the formation that we’ve got right now.”

Liam Delap arrived at Chelsea with a reputation built at Ipswich, where he scored 12 Premier League goals in a struggling side. His physicality and penalty-box instincts made him an attractive prospect, but the move to a possession-heavy Chelsea system has simply not worked.

Why Moyes’ Everton suits Delap

Wyness highlighted the practical reasons why a switch makes sense. “He’d get great service and I think he is the right one, and I do think this is something that may well happen. There’s certainly rumours out of Chelsea that Rosenior has got other thoughts about players up front, and I think Delap could well end up in Everton, and I think it’d be the best move for him.”

Delap stands 6ft 2in and carries the physical presence inherited from his father Rory. He thrives in direct systems that deliver crosses and create chaos in the penalty area. Moyes’ Everton, organised defensively and dangerous from wide areas, offers exactly that opportunity.

Chelsea’s fluid front line has effectively buried him. A return to a club where he can lead the line, receive consistent service, and play every week could reignite a career that has stalled alarmingly. Everton need goals. Delap needs game time. Sometimes football is that simple.