- Liam Delap has scored just one goal this season.
- Ndiaye has been a top performer this season for Everton.
- Chelsea are reportedly planning a swap with the Toffees.
Everton face a tricky summer decision. Chelsea are circling Iliman Ndiaye, the Senegalese international who has produced six goals and three assists in 27 league appearances this season. According to Simon Phillips, the London club is “now weighing up testing the waters” for the 26‑year‑old. And they have a carrot to dangle: Liam Delap.
The striker has endured a miserable campaign at Stamford Bridge. After a brilliant season with Ipswich last term where he scored 12 goals from 32 starts in a relegation team, Liam Delap has managed just one Premier League goal in 25 appearances for Chelsea. He has started only 11 league matches and averages just 39 minutes per game. Fighting for a spot with the in‑form Joao Pedro, his chances have been extremely limited.
Chelsea themselves have been a mess. They sacked Liam Rosenior after a dismal run, and their expensive attacking reinforcements have largely failed to deliver. Delap, once a £30m signing, now looks surplus to requirements.
Everton are long admirers of Liam Delap
Everton, however, have long been admirers of Delap. They were linked with him before he chose Chelsea, and David Moyes is still in the market for a striker. Beto has found form, but consistency remains an issue. A player who scored 12 Premier League goals in a struggling Ipswich side clearly has talent and the appeal to David Moyes.
Would Everton consider a swap?
The question is whether Everton would entertain losing Ndiaye to bring in Delap. The Senegal forward has been one of Moyes’ most reliable performers, starting 27 of his league appearances and contributing nine goal involvements. His work rate, dribbling and creativity would be hard to replace.
Simon Phillips explained the dynamic: “At this point in time, it’s unclear how attainable he will be this summer. But Chelsea are now weighing up testing the waters for the 26-year-old, and they know that Chelsea have some players that Everton like – one being Liam Delap. Players could be used as a bargaining tool if The Blues decide to push for him.”
So a deal could take shape. Chelsea want Ndiaye. Everton want Delap. A swap or a structured exchange involving cash might suit both parties. But for Everton, losing their star wide man would be a gamble. Delap has proven he can score in the Premier League but that was at Ipswich, not under the pressure of a European‑chasing Everton.
Moyes may decide that keeping Ndiaye is more important than taking a chance on Delap. However, with European qualification still possible and the need to strengthen the squad, the club will at least listen. If Chelsea make a serious offer involving Delap, the 49ers have a decision to make.
One thing is certain. Liam Delap needs a fresh start. Everton could offer it. But at what cost?
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