Liam Delap Reveals Why He Chose Chelsea Over Manchester United in £30m Deal
Chelsea Newly signed striker Liam Delap reveals why he chose to sign with the cluband why it is the perfect fit for him—citing Champions League football, a young exciting squad, and his bond with Cole Palmer as key reasons for his decision.
Liam Delap has opened up about his decision to join Chelsea this summer, turning down interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, Everton and Nottingham Forest — and the reasons are as bold as the club’s ambitions.
After Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, a £30 million release clause in Delap’s contract was activated, sparking a race for the England Under-21 striker. But despite several tempting offers, Delap chose Stamford Bridge — and now he’s revealed exactly why.
Speaking to close sources, Delap pointed to Champions League football, the chance to play alongside Cole Palmer, and Chelsea’s exciting young squad as the key factors that helped him make his decision.
“Chelsea felt right,” Delap is understood to have said. “They’re playing in the Champions League, they’ve got some of the best young players in the league, and their ambition matches mine. I want to challenge at the top.”
The 22-year-old was given permission to speak to clubs earlier this month, and it quickly became a two-horse race between Manchester United and Chelsea. But Chelsea’s final-day win over Nottingham Forest, which secured Champions League football, tipped the scales in their favour.
Delap also admitted that knowing Cole Palmer — his former Manchester City teammate — was already flourishing at Chelsea made a big difference.
“I’ve seen what Cole has done since moving there. That shows what’s possible at Chelsea,” Delap reportedly told those close to him. “It’s a club where young players are really given a chance to shine.”
Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Delap in Manchester City’s elite development squad, played a personal role in the signing. He pitched his vision to Delap in face-to-face talks and helped lay out a clear plan for his development at the club.
Also playing a key role was Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali, who met with Delap’s agent, David Manasseh, in Dubai earlier this year. Eghbali even spoke publicly about his admiration for Delap during the Conference League final in Wroclaw.
Beyond the pitch, Chelsea’s connections helped build trust. Joe Shields, the club’s co-director of recruitment, has a long-standing relationship with Delap and his family, while Glenn van der Kraan, the academy director, was also a familiar face.
The support didn’t stop there. Delap was reportedly encouraged by other former Manchester City academy graduates already at Stamford Bridge — Jadon Sancho, Romeo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo and Cole Palmer — all of whom spoke positively about the club.
“They all had great things to say about the project and how things are run,” Delap added.
With his decision made, Delap is now expected to skip England’s Under-21 European Championship campaign to join Chelsea for their summer Club World Cup adventure. It’s a big step — and one the striker believes will take his career to the next level.
“I want to win things,” he said. “And Chelsea gives me that platform.”
Chelsea, who had been tracking Delap for months, are thrilled to add yet another promising talent to their youthful, energetic squad. And with the Champions League on the horizon, Liam Delap is ready to make his mark.
