Hull City could kick their summer transfer business off by re-signing Chelsea struggler Liam Delap, who spent a season on loan at the MKM Stadium in 2023/24
Liam Delap could return to Hull City this summer(Image: Getty Images)
The euphoria of Hull City’s dramatic Wembley triumph over Middlesbrough is still hanging sweet in the East Yorkshire air – but the reality of what comes next is already dawning.
The Tigers are back in the land of milk and honey and with that promotion comes a staggering, transformative £200million financial windfall.
Getting to the Premier League is one thing, but staying there will be a monumental task – one that requires pragmatism, ambition, and, above all, top-flight quality. Step forward Liam Delap.
The powerful forward is facing an incredibly uncertain summer at Chelsea and a return to the MKM Stadium makes an immense amount of sense for all parties. If City want a proven, dynamic presence to lead their line in the top flight, the answers to their recruitment questions might lie in a very familiar face.
It is fair to say Delap’s dream move to Stamford Bridge has not gone to script. After Chelsea triggered his £30m release clause last summer, the 23-year-old has cut a lonely, frustrated figure amidst yet another turbulent campaign at Stamford Bridge, which saw the club burn through both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior on their way to a 10th place finish.
Stuck firmly behind Joao Pedro in the pecking order, Delap has managed just one Premier League goal in 28 appearances this season, with the vast majority of his outings coming from the substitutes’ bench. But Chelsea’s loss could be Hull’s gain.
Writing Delap off based on his Chelsea struggles would be a foolish mistake. Lest we forget, the Englishman has already proven he can be the talisman for a newly-promoted side.
During the 2024/25 campaign with Ipswich, Delap was a revelation. He terrorised seasoned Premier League centre backs with his brute physicality and explosive pace, plundering 12 goals to finish as the Tractor Boys’ top scorer.
Crucially, the Tigers wouldn’t be gambling on an unknown quantity and the club already hold a significant trump card in any potential transfer battle: they already know exactly how Delap feels about them.
The headline states that Hull already know his thoughts – and they truly do. During his brilliant loan spell at the MKM Stadium in the 2023/24 season, Delap became an instant fan favourite, netting eight goals before a cruel knee injury derailed his momentum.
After being resonated with chants of “we want you to stay” from the fans at the back-end of his season-long loan, Delap admitted: “That’s nice to hear… When you’re appreciated somewhere, it’s a nice feeling as a player.”
He later added: “I do love it here and I do love the fans… I love playing and playing with the manager and with the boys. We’ll just see what happens and, you know, there’s conversations to be had.”
Those conversations can now be reignited with real financial muscle. Armed with a £200m Premier League war chest, Hull are no longer the underdogs trying to scrape together loan deals. They have the capability to test Chelsea’s resolve with a permanent offer or possibly a lucrative loan-to-buy package.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side will need a focal point who can transition seamlessly into the top flight without needing months to adapt to the rigours of the division or the culture of the club. Delap, meanwhile, desperately needs a stable home where he is guaranteed minutes, trusted by the management and adored by the supporters.
He has already told us he loves the club. Now that Hull City have the financial power to match his ambition, it’s time to bring Liam Delap back to where he belongs.