In a summer full of squad reshuffles and fresh ambitions, Liam Delap has just made one of the boldest moves yet—stepping into the infamous No. 9 shirt at Chelsea.
The 22-year-old striker has joined the Blues from Ipswich in a £30 million deal, officially becoming Enzo Maresca’s second signing after Dario Essugo.
With Chelsea gearing up for their return to the Champions League, Delap’s arrival adds another layer to the club’s big reset under their new manager.
Deal Sealed After Medical and Long-Term Contract
The transfer had been brewing for a while, with both clubs reaching a full agreement last week.
Delap completed his medical in London and signed a long-term contract on Wednesday, locking in his future at Stamford Bridge.
Shortly after, Chelsea confirmed what many were waiting to hear: Delap will wear the No. 9 jersey—a shirt that carries history, pressure, and a strange sort of bad luck at the club.
The ‘Cursed’ Chelsea No. 9 Strikes Again?
For most clubs, wearing the No. 9 shirt is a badge of honour—a symbol of leadership and goal-scoring responsibility.
But at Chelsea? It’s a bit of a jinx.
The last to wear it was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who only had a brief and forgettable spell in 2023.
Before him, there was Romelu Lukaku, whose £98 million return to the Blues in 2021 was expected to be a game-changer.
Instead, it fizzled out quickly.
Lukaku’s Rocky Return Ends in Naples
Lukaku’s time back at Chelsea started with promise but ended in disappointment.
After losing favour with managers and being loaned out to Inter and Roma, he was finally sold to Napoli for £30 million last summer.
Notably, Lukaku was made to train with the so-called “bomb squad” during two separate pre-seasons—a clear sign he was no longer part of the club’s plans.
That chapter finally closed when he left for good in August.
A Shirt Heavy with History
Before Lukaku and Aubameyang, the No. 9 shirt was briefly worn by Tammy Abraham, an academy product who showed promise but didn’t fully live up to the weight of the number.
And before him? Gonzalo Higuain, once one of Europe’s most respected forwards, who also couldn’t quite make the magic happen at Chelsea.
It’s safe to say, wearing the No. 9 at Stamford Bridge comes with more baggage than glory.
What’s Next for Delap and Chelsea?
Now, all eyes are on Delap.
Will he finally break the curse and become the No. 9 Chelsea have been waiting for? With Champions League football on the horizon and a new era beginning under Maresca, the timing might just be right.
The question remains—can Liam Delap handle the pressure and deliver where others fell short? Chelsea fans are hoping this time, the number finally brings success instead of struggle.