Chelsea are expected to ask Liam Delap to prioritize the Club World Cup ahead of England duty this summer, continuing the ongoing club-versus-country debate, according to The Telegraph
Delap, 22, is on the verge of reuniting with Enzo Maresca after Chelsea triggered his £30million release clause from Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile, he has been preparing for the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia, where Lee Carsley’s squad will be defending their title.
Although Delap is eager to represent England, Chelsea will request his release for FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup tournament starting June 14, should he complete his move to Stamford Bridge.
Delap was in line to start for England’s opener against the Czech Republic on June 12, with further group-stage fixtures against Slovenia and Germany.
The Club World Cup, taking place in the United States and featuring stars like Lionel Messi, is expected to take precedence over international duty, signaling a shift in priorities compared to historical precedent.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently questioned the Football Association’s call-up of Rico Lewis and James McAtee for the Under-21 Euros, which clashes with City’s Club World Cup campaign.
Neither player was included in City’s initial preparation camp, with McAtee now joining Carsley’s squad but no agreement reached on Lewis.
Delap, who helped England win the 2022 European Under-19 Championship in Slovakia, had hoped to add another winners’ medal after a breakthrough Premier League season.
He scored 12 goals in his rookie campaign, attracting interest from several clubs due to his relatively low release clause.
Manchester United were among the suitors, but Delap favoured Chelsea, where he could work under Maresca, a coach familiar to him from his time at Manchester City’s academy.
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