Why David Moyes’ Interest in Liam Delap Raises Questions

Although Everton narrowly missed out on European qualification in the 2025/26 season, there is little doubt that the return of David Moyes has transformed the mood around the club.

Despite the old football saying that managers should never return to a former club, Moyes has once again steadied the ship at Goodison Park, proving that experience still counts in the Premier League.

At 63 years old and with well over 1,000 matches managed during his career, the Scot remains one of English football’s most respected tacticians. Everton finished just four points shy of a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League, and there is a strong argument that injuries to key players prevented them from finishing even higher.

Goals Remain Everton’s Biggest Concern

If there was one glaring weakness in Everton’s campaign, it was their lack of firepower.

The Toffees scored just 47 Premier League goals, with only Sunderland, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Wolverhampton Wanderers finding the net fewer times. Three of those clubs were ultimately relegated, underlining just how much Everton struggled in the final third.

Strengthening the attack has therefore become one of the club’s top priorities this summer.

However, reports linking Everton with Chelsea striker Liam Delap have raised eyebrows.

Do Delap’s Numbers Justify the Interest?

According to reports, Moyes is a long-time admirer of the 23-year-old and is prepared to compete with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest for his signature.

On paper, though, Delap’s recent statistics offer little encouragement.

The striker scored just one Premier League goal in 28 appearances last season. Across all competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup, he finished with only three goals and four assists in 47 matches.

For a player expected to lead the line, those numbers are difficult to ignore.

While his 47.6% shot accuracy is respectable, it falls well below teammates such as Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, both of whom converted a significantly higher percentage of their efforts on target.

A Lack of End Product

Perhaps the most concerning statistic is Delap’s 5.3% shot conversion rate, the lowest among Chelsea’s senior squad.

He managed only 42 shots across the entire campaign—fewer than one effort per appearance—and those figures naturally raise questions over whether a transfer fee reportedly approaching £40 million would represent good value.

His aerial numbers were similarly underwhelming.

Despite being viewed as a physical centre-forward, Delap registered just one header on target throughout the season, while only three of the 11 big chances that fell his way resulted in shots on target.

For a striker whose primary role is to convert opportunities, the data paints a worrying picture.

Can Moyes Unlock His Potential?

Beyond goals, Delap also struggled to influence games in possession.

He attempted only 319 passes during the campaign and posted a 71.8% passing accuracy, the lowest among Chelsea’s first-team regulars.

His creative output was limited, producing just two through balls and two successful long passes all season.

Even defensively, where Moyes traditionally demands high work rates from his forwards, the numbers were modest. Delap recorded only 45 ball recoveries, while his success rate in ground duels stood at 36.1%. In the air, he won just 29 of his 76 aerial duels.

Those statistics hardly suggest a player ready to become the focal point of Everton’s attack.

Is There Still a Player Worth Developing?

The strongest argument in Delap’s favour is his age.

At 23, he still has time to develop, and Moyes has built a reputation throughout his managerial career for improving young players and getting the best out of strikers.

The Everton manager may also believe there is still untapped potential after Delap’s encouraging spell with Ipswich Town, where he looked far more confident and productive than he did following his move to Chelsea.

If Moyes believes he can help Delap rediscover that form, the transfer could eventually prove worthwhile.

Based purely on last season’s performances, however, Everton supporters would be justified in questioning whether Delap is the clinical goalscorer the club needs to solve its biggest problem ahead of the new Premier League campaign.