Liam Delap Takes on Chelsea’s Notorious No. 9 Shirt
Liam Delap has officially joined Chelsea, and he’s stepping straight into the spotlight — wearing the club’s famously tricky No. 9 jersey.
At just 22, Delap arrives from Ipswich Town and becomes the second addition under new manager Enzo Maresca, following the signing of midfielder Dario Essugo. The young striker completed his medical and signed a long-term contract after triggering a release clause tied to Ipswich’s drop from the top flight.
Shortly after confirming his arrival, Chelsea revealed Delap will wear the No. 9 shirt — a number that’s carried more pressure than glory at Stamford Bridge. Over the years, several big-name forwards have struggled under its weight, from Fernando Torres and Alvaro Morata to Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lukaku, in particular, endured a turbulent return to the club before moving to Napoli last summer, after being sidelined and training away from the first team.
But despite the mixed legacy of the number, there’s optimism that Delap can bring something different. Chelsea has lacked a consistent finisher up front, and fans are hoping the young forward can turn the page on the No. 9’s rocky history.
In a related update, Cole Palmer will be switching his shirt number next season. After impressing since his move from Manchester City, the midfielder will now wear the No. 10 — a number often reserved for key creative players.
The club mentioned that the full list of squad numbers will be finalized once the summer window wraps up.
As Chelsea sets its sights on a busy season both at home and in Europe, the pressure’s on — and so is the anticipation. Delap’s journey in blue is just getting started. Whether he breaks the pattern or becomes another name in the long line of No. 9 stories, only time will tell.
