Two reasons why Delap is unlikely for Como despite Champions League attraction

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Liam Delap of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Recent reports claim that Como are interested in a potential deal for Chelsea centre-forward Liam Delap, but there are two main reasons why the Englishman is unlikely to join Cesc Fabregas’s side this window, despite the offer of Champions League football in 2026-27. 

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, Como have made an initial approach for Chelsea and former England youth international striker Delap, who moved to Stamford Bridge at a cost of €35m (£30m) last summer. 

Delap is not expected to be a key player under new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso in 2026-27 and it is expected that he will be allowed to leave under appropriate conditions. 

There are, however, two main reasons why the Englishman is an unlikely target for Como at this stage of the season. 

Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea are not particularly keen on the idea of sending Delap out on loan and that they would prefer a permanent sale for a fee in the region of €46m (£40m). 

This may be out of Como’s budget this summer given that they have already spent €60m to tie Nico Paz down to a more secure contract and a further €30m on the signing of Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea. That is before the signings of Yan Couto, Kaiki, Mattia Liberali or Luis Milla are factored in. 

Meanwhile, reports in the UK claim that Delap would ideally prefer a move that keeps him in the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, even if Como have the offer of Champions League football.