Liam Delap, Chelsea’s new £30 million signing, has revealed that the appeal of European football and reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca were crucial to his decision to join the Blues.
The 22-year-old striker, a top target after scoring 12 goals for Ipswich, bypassed interest from Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest.
Speaking before Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Es Tunis, Delap explained his careful choice. “You’ve just got to go with your gut,” he said, noting he took days to decide his future.
He consulted Cole Palmer, his former Manchester City teammate, now a Chelsea star, and hopes to emulate his success.
Chelsea’s Champions League qualification was a draw, unlike Manchester United’s lack of European football.
The move also sees Delap rejoin Maresca, under whom he excelled at Manchester City’s Under-21s. “I’ve got a good relationship with the manager,” Delap affirmed. “I know how he plays… the project of the club… that’s what excited me.”
Delap also boldly chose the club’s “cursed” number nine shirt, dismissing any superstition. The transfer meant missing the U21 European Championships for England, a decision he made to integrate quickly with his new team.
With Nicolas Jackson suspended, Delap is set to feature prominently and is ready for the pressure, stating, “my mind is strong enough to not let it affect me.”
