As interest from numerous top-flight clubs grew late in 2024-25, McKenna expressed strong confidence that Liam could compete for the biggest teams in England and across the world.
The son of former Derby County defender Rory ultimately chose Stamford Bridge.
Opting to join a crowded Chelsea squad as a still-developing player drew some scepticism, but the chance to reunite with then Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca may have been pivotal.
Maresca had managed Manchester City’s under-21s when Delap excelled in the academy, scoring 24 goals in 20 games in 2020-21 as City claimed the Premier League 2 title.
His switch to Chelsea did not pan out. It started with Delap withdrawing from the previous summer’s Under-21 European Championship — which England went on to win — so he could be available for Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.
The former Stoke, Preston and Hull forward then produced just three goals in 47 appearances, a barren spell that led Chelsea to hand his number nine shirt to Joao Pedro before approving his departure this summer.
Delap’s difficulties at Chelsea were shaped by three managerial changes, hamstring and shoulder injuries, and the challenge of adapting to a different tactical approach.
While Ipswich exploited his pace with counters into space behind high defensive lines, Chelsea placed greater emphasis on patient, possession-based buildup.