Chelsea’s Maresca backs Delap as future England No 9 ahead Club World Cup

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed strong confidence that new signing Liam Delap will become England's future No. 9, potentially succeeding Harry Kane. Delap, acquired for £30 million from Ipswich Town, reunited with Maresca, who coached him at Manchester City's academy, and signed a six-year contract with Chelsea. While Delap is expected to make his Chelsea debut at the FIFA Club World Cup, Maresca emphasized that the striker must compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot and has not been guaranteed first-choice status. Maresca highlighted their mutual understanding and Delap’s prior success, including a prolific goal-scoring season with Manchester City's Under-23 team, as reasons for his optimism. Additionally, Maresca noted Chelsea's need to strengthen their squad on the left wing, following the decision not to sign Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho permanently, with potential interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The club is therefore focused on both integrating Delap and addressing other squad needs ahead of the new season.