Writing on the wall for £40m Chelsea man as Xabi Alonso makes stance clear against Juventus

Thoughts after another pre-season defeat under Xabi Alonso?🤔

Alonso used a total of 23 players during the clash, rotating his entire side. Nicolas Jackson made his first Chelsea outing since the Club World Cup semi-finals, and even Mykhailo Mudryk came on with five to go.

But it was another intriguing pre-season clash involving Chelsea, as Alonso attempts to deal with the size of his enormous squad. Alonso’s message to Liam Delap during the game was as clear as it could be.

Delap now knows he is Chelsea’s fourth-choice striker

After just one Premier League goal last season, Delap has been strongly linked with a summer exit. Plenty of Premier League clubs are interested in him; iPaper say Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Everton are keen.

But Delap has been clear with his stance. He wants to fight for his place in the side, despite Joao Pedro staying put, Emmanuel Emegha signing and Nicolas Jackson returning. The competition is just enormous.

Pedro is first choice, and on Wednesday, Alonso started with Danny Welbeck. Jackson was brought on in place of Welbeck at half-time, making it clear to Delap and fans that the latter is Chelsea’s fourth choice.

That is with Emegha, a new signing this summer, currently injured in London. So when the Dutchman returns, there is every chance the former Strasbourg forward could sit above Delap in the pecking order.

Delap might have hoped his performances earlier on in pre-season might have affected Alonso’s stance. But with Jackson and Welbeck available for the first time, Delap was shovelled down the pecking order.

Chelsea need to bite the bullet and break even for Delap

It is admirable that Delap wanted to stay and fight for his place. His performance against Juventus was actually impressive, making a few long-range runs forward with the ball at his feet and getting success.

Realistically, how much is Liam Delap worth?🤔

Reports say Chelsea want £40m for Delap, £10m more than they paid Ipswich for the Englishman just last summer. But if a club is willing to offer £30m for Rory’s son, then Chelsea should absolutely accept it.

For the good of his career, Delap cannot remain at Chelsea. Not only would he struggle for game time, but he might struggle to make the 25-man Premier League squad. An exit is the only option for Delap.