Mikel Obi Predicts Liam Delap’s Starting position Claim After Chelsea Miss Out on Osimhen
Ex-Chelsea player Mikel John Obi is convinced that Nicolas Jackson will remain Chelsea’s first-choice striker next season irrespective of the fresh acquisition of Liam Delap — a player the majority of fans believe was signed in lieu of Victor Osimhen, the most sought-after target.
Chelsea signed Delap to a £30m deal from Ipswich Town, activating his release clause upon the club being relegated from the Premier League. The 22-year-old made his first Blues appearance in their 2-0 FIFA Club World Cup win against LAFC, registering an assist for Enzo Fernandez in the second half.
Mikel: “Delap Not the Striker Fans Wanted”
On DAZN, Mikel conceded that Delap maybe wasn’t the marquee name fans had hoped for:
“His [Delap] not the player the fans wanted. We know who the fans wanted — Victor Osimhen. But he didn’t show up. The club signed Delap. He’s young, and he’ll get better.”
“Hope he starts strongly and silences the critics. Wishing him well and believe he can do well here.”
Mikel commended Delap’s mobility and instinct in his debut for Chelsea, saying he saw encouraging signs in the youth star who was with Manchester City:
“The runs that I saw today — getting in behind the defenders — I believe he can be the man to score those opportunities.”
Nicolas Jackson Remains Chelsea’s Main Man Up Front
Despite Delap’s bright beginning, Mikel is confident that Nicolas Jackson, who scored 17 goals across all competitions last season, will remain Enzo Maresca’s first-choice striker by the beginning of the Premier League campaign:
“Let’s not forget, Nic Jackson is still the main man. He just needs to work on his finishing, but I think he’ll start the season.”
“If he can’t score consistently, that’s when Delap delivers. Proper competition is absolutely crucial for this team.”
Chelsea’s Striker Dilemma: Jackson vs Delap
Chelsea’s Striker Situation: Jackson vs Delap
| Player | Age | Goals in 2024/25 | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Jackson | 23 | 17 (all comps) | Pace, movement, pressing | Finishing inconsistency |
| Liam Delap | 22 | 12 (for Ipswich) | Physicality, link-up play | Top-level experience |
Victor Osimhen Links Still Hanging Over
Chelsea fans have been fantasizing about a Napoli and Nigeria star Victor Osimhen transfer coup for years, with the striker reportedly up for grabs for a Premier League move. Chelsea were beaten to him in January, but Osimhen remains an option for a summer approach — especially if Chelsea get rid of high salaries or make way at the front.
Mikel Obi Predicts Liam Delap’s Starting position Claim After Chelsea Miss Out on Osimhen
