Everton’s search for a new striker just hit a snag after former Toffees striker Yakubu poured cold water on Liam Delap as a viable option. The 13th-placed Toffees, 36 points behind Arsenal with 49 points from 38 games and a -3 goal difference after 50 conceded, need a proven finisher after Thierno Barry and Beto managed only eight and nine Premier League goals last season.
What did Yakubu say about Delap?
Yakubu, who rattled in 95 goals in 210 appearances for Everton between 2007 and 2011, told ToffeeWeb that Delap’s jump from Ipswich to Chelsea in 2024 proved too steep. “When you look at Delap, he did well at Ipswich, scoring goals, and then moved to Chelsea. It’s a massive leap from Ipswich to Chelsea and he’s found it difficult,” Yakubu said. “To bring him from Chelsea to Everton, it’s not going to be easy. We’re looking for a striker who can get the job done every weekend and he’s not a bad player to bring in-but can he do the same as he did at Ipswich?”
Everton, who lost their last three games and sit on a -3 goal difference after conceding 50 goals this season, have seen Delap linked as a potential replacement for Beto. The Toffees finished 13th last term with 49 points, 13 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses, while their recent form reads LLDDL after a 1-0 loss to Tottenham on May 24, 2026.
Why does Everton need a new striker?
Delap’s 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich in 2024/25 tower over Everton’s current options. Barry and Beto combined for just 17 goals last season, leaving a clear gap in the attack. With the Toffees’ next fixture away to Bolton on July 25, 2026, manager David Moyes may need a proven finisher to steady the ship after a rocky campaign.
Moyes has already turned Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George’s loans into permanent deals and signed Hayden Hackney, but a new striker remains a priority. Chelsea are rumored to be open to offers around £30M for Delap, but his Chelsea stint has raised doubts about his ability to handle top-flight pressure.
What happens next for Everton and Delap?
Delap’s Chelsea move has yet to pay off, and his transfer value may drop if he fails to impress this summer. Everton, meanwhile, must weigh whether his potential outweighs the risk after a disappointing 13th-place finish. With no wins in their last five games and just two draws, the Toffees need a lift up front before the new season kicks off.
The Toffees’ recent form-0W-2D-3L in their last five-shows they’re in no position to gamble on unproven talent. If Delap can’t replicate his Ipswich output, Everton may need to look elsewhere for a striker who can deliver consistently.
Everton’s next test comes at Bolton on July 25, 2026, with the Toffees desperate to start the new campaign on a stronger note after a season of inconsistency.
