‘No way he thought it’d happen’ – New Chelsea signing would have been blindsided by £60m transfer

Liam Delap has been backed to repay his transfer fee despite already facing a battle to start for Chelsea this season.

The striker’s £30million arrival from Ipswich has been described as ‘great business’ by former Blues star Jody Morris.

Delap penned a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge back in June after joining Enzo Maresca’s side.

However, Chelsea swooped to sign another centre-forward just four weeks later as Joao Pedro arrived from Brighton for £60million.

The Brazilian has also signed a long-term deal with the club through to 2033.

Morris believes Delap would have been blindsided by the signing of Pedro so close to his own move to west London.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Chelsea show, the former midfielder explained: “We can all dress it up as much as we want, saying that we need competition for places.

“When Liam Delap would have signed for Chelsea, there’s no way that he would have thought they’re going to go and sign another person in his position.”

Delap earned his move to Chelsea after impressing for the Tractor Boys last season.

Despite Ipswich’s relegation, the 22-year-old scored 12 Premier League goals during the campaign.

Morris believes the qualities he showed for his old side make Delap a promising addition to the Chelsea squad.

Asked how he felt in similar situations as a player, he added: “I think it’s part and parcel of the game.

“And, in fairness, when you go to a big club, anything can happen week to week, especially at our club of late.

“I think it was great business for us to go and get Liam for such small money.

“He obviously has a lot of potential, performed well in the Premier League last year in a struggling team.”

Delap and Pedro have both already won silverware with Chelsea after starring in their Club World Cup triumph.

The former came off the bench to grab an assist on his debut against LAFC before later scoring against ES Tunis in the group stage.

However, he lost his place in the side to Pedro after missing their semi-final clash through suspension.

Pedro, who joined during the knockout stage, scored twice in the last four victory over Fluminense before starting the final.

He would then grab another in a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain to help write Chelsea’s name on the trophy.

Listen to the full episode of Inside Chelsea on the talkSPORT YouTube channel.