Former Premier League forward Gabby Agbonlahor has warned that Chelsea’s £30-million acquisition of Liam Delap may have been premature — arguing the 22-year-old would have benefited from joining a smaller club first.
Gabby Agbonlahor says £30m signing he made mistake joining Chelsea
Delap moved to Chelsea this summer from Ipswich Town after the Blues triggered his release clause following Ipswich’s relegation.
The English youngster had scored 12 Premier League goals during a difficult season for the Tractor Boys. Chelsea rewarded him with a six-year contract.
Despite those numbers, Agbonlahor feels the switch to a top-level club like Chelsea — packed with competition — might stunt Delap’s progress.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s London derby against Arsenal FC, he told talkSPORT:
“I think he might have missed the trick of going to a lesser club before Chelsea. I don’t think he’s going to get the game-time in this Chelsea squad.”
Agbonlahor’s concerns aren’t just about competition for places — he also questioned Delap’s composure early on.
While praising some of Delap’s movement and ability to create danger, he noted that the forward “kept giving the ball away” on his debut, suggesting nerves may have played a part.
The former striker acknowledged Delap’s strengths — his physicality, finishing instinct, and potential — but contended that a gradual rise through a midtable side or smaller club might have given him consistent game time and confidence.
Delap has since scored his first Chelsea goal and grabbed an assist on his debut, giving glimpses of promise.
But for Agbonlahor, potential alone isn’t enough: what matters now is whether Delap gets enough of the right kind of minutes to build consistency — something that, in his opinion, might be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge right now.
