Everton Lead Chase: Striker Does Fit Into Moyes’ Tactics?

Everton are desperate for a reliable No. 9 after doubts over Beto and Thierno Barry's futures. The club leads the chase for £30 million striker Liam Delap, believing he fits Moyes’ tactical blueprint and can provide the tireless, physical presence the Merseyside side lack. (55 words)

Liam Delap has been placed on the transfer list by Stamford Bridge, with the club attaching a £30 million price tag and listing him alongside two other forwards. The 23‑year‑old endured a nightmare 2025/26 season in West London, frozen out under manager Liam Rosenior despite 35 appearances across all competitions. (2 sentences)

In the Premier League last term Delap started 12 of 28 matches, scoring only once against Tottenham Hotspur. He added a solitary European goal in five Champions League outings, leaving his overall tally at two goals and zero assists for the season. (2 sentences)

Everton stand at the front of the queue, having watched Delap slip through their fingers twelve months ago. His representatives are already in talks with several Premier League clubs, while Leeds United and Newcastle United have also expressed interest. (2 sentences)

David Moyes’ vision for the new Hill Dickinson Stadium promises guaranteed week‑in, week‑out minutes, a factor that appeals to Delap, who says finding a proper home to play football matters more than money. The striker is looking closely at Merseyside as his next destination. (2 sentences)

Moyes favours a specific type of No. 9 – tireless, physical, capable of holding off centre‑backs and dragging defenders out of position. Delap’s underlying numbers support this: 2.94 shots and over five touches inside the opposition box per 90 minutes last term, and he previously netted 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town in 2024/25 when given a regular run. (2 sentences)

Chelsea are keen to recoup their £30 million outlay and are close to signing veteran Danny Welbeck, meaning they are prepared to let Delap leave. With the transfer fee on the table and Everton’s urgent need for a striker, the deal could be finalised quickly, provided the club can navigate Chelsea’s price expectations and the uncertain futures of Beto and Barry. (2 sentences)