Everton eyeing £40m Delap move: Moyes faces costly dilemma

Everton are eyeing Chelsea’s outcast striker Liam Delap, with the Blues setting a firm £40‑million to £50‑million price tag on the 23‑year‑old, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, prompting the question: should manager David Moyes say yes to the deal now?

Why Everton target Delap

David Moyes has long praised Delap’s physical attributes, and the striker has expressed a desire to return to the north of England after rejecting a move to Italian side Como. Those factors place Everton squarely in the frame alongside other interested clubs.

Everton’s current forwards, Beto and Thierno Barry, combined for 17 goals last season, a respectable return that does not clearly demand a £40 million upgrade. Nonetheless, the club may see Delap as a long‑term target‑man to complement the existing attack.

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are also linked to the 23‑year‑old, both believing £40 million is a realistic price despite Chelsea sources insisting on £50 million. The competition adds pressure on Everton to decide quickly.

Chelsea, referred to as the Blues, have set a firm price range of £40 million to £50 million for Delap, with the club’s sources holding firm at the upper £50 million figure. The price reflects the £30 million fee Chelsea paid when they signed him from Ipswich Town in 2025.

Everton’s PSR constraints mean that committing £40‑£50 million could limit their ability to address other squad gaps, especially given their recent spending limits. Financial logic suggests the fee may cripple the club’s flexibility.

If Everton proceed, they would secure a player Chelsea want to move on, while the Blues would finally offload an outcast. If they walk away, Moyes avoids a risky investment and Chelsea must continue to find a buyer for Delap.