Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has tipped new £30 million signing Liam Delap to become England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane.
But the Italian tactician warns that a starting role at Stamford Bridge will have to be earned, not handed.
Delap joins the Blues after impressing with 12 goals for Ipswich in 2024/25, a campaign that, despite ending in relegation, showed the 22-year-old’s Premier League credentials.
Chelsea moved swiftly to secure the forward, reuniting Delap with Maresca, who worked with him during their time at Manchester City.
“I don’t have any doubt that he can be, in the future, the England No.9,” Maresca said. “Liam knows quite well how important the No.9 is for this club… and hopefully he can score goals for us.”
However, Maresca was quick to temper expectations around an automatic starting berth. With Nicolas Jackson already staking a claim, competition will be fierce.
“I never say to a player, ‘you are going to be first choice.’ You arrive, you work hard, and if you work more than the other No.9, then you’ll be No.9.”
Despite being omitted from England’s U21 Euros squad due to his club move, Delap could make his Chelsea debut on Monday in their Club World Cup opener against LAFC.
