Pat Nevin Backs Everton Signing Chelsea Star: Can Moyes Get The Best Out Of The Bullish Striker? | OneFootball

Everton are looking to revive interest in a striker they narrowly missed out on last summer, and that’s Chelsea’s Liam Delap. Football Insider and TEAMtalk state that the Toffees have placed the 23-year-old English forward right at the top of their shortlist ahead of the 2026/27 season. Delap moved to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in June 2025 for £30 million, choosing Chelsea’s Champions League project over Merseyside.

Everton eye Chelsea forward again as familiar transfer target struggles at Stamford Bridge

That choice came despite Everton holding extensive talks with the player, even giving his agent a private tour of Finch Farm and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. However, his debut season in London has been tough, yielding just two goals in 38 appearances and a mere 11 Premier League starts. With Chelsea signing Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg this summer, Delap’s path to regular football looks even more restricted.

Chelsea appear ready to cash in, with talkSPORT valuing the forward at £40 million. While Delap told The Telegraph that he wants to stay and fight for his place, Stamford Bridge officials seem to have other ideas. Santiago Castro and Troy Parrott are also on Everton’s radar as backup options, according to TEAMtalk. Former Everton player Pat Nevin has already thrown his support behind the deal, branding it absolutely nailed on as a perfect match for the striker.

“I don’t see him going back to Ipswich,” Nevin stated in an interview. “Everton would be the obvious place. Absolutely nailed on. I’m not saying it’s a done deal, but I think Everton want him and I think it would be brilliant for everyone.”

Can David Moyes actually turn Liam Delap’s career around at Everton?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Liam Delap of Chelsea looks on during the warm up prior to the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Everton‘s renewed interest makes sense on paper, but the real question is whether Delap fits into David Moyes’ specific tactical framework. The Scottish manager has done a brilliant job transforming Everton from relegation battlers into genuine European contenders in 2025/26, even picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award in February 2025.

His system relies heavily on direct, vertical play, requiring a central striker who can hold up the ball, stretch opposing backlines, and link up with creative sparks like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish. As a powerful, hard-running centre-forward, Delap certainly has the physical traits to thrive in that role. The massive worry, however, lies in front of the goal.

Two goals from 38 games points to a player drained of confidence, rather than one just lacking minutes. Moyes has a proven track record of reviving strikers through structured preparation and clear roles, but Delap must sharpen his execution in the box, not just work hard, if he wants to genuinely displace Beto.

At £40 million, Everton have to consider the financial risk carefully. Yet, if Moyes secures his signature, the tactical suitability combined with Delap’s desire to prove Chelsea wrong could turn this into an incredibly smart bit of summer business. It is a gamble Everton need to get right.