Delap Reveals Why He Chose Chelsea Over Rivals: ‘The Project Excited Me’

By Ugbede James

Chelsea’s latest signing, Liam Delap, has opened up on his decision to join the Blues despite heavy interest from top Premier League rivals, citing the club’s long-term vision, European prospects, and a reunion with familiar faces as key factors behind the move.

The 22-year-old striker netted 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances for Ipswich Town last season. Following the club’s relegation to the Championship, Delap’s £30 million release clause triggered a bidding race involving Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest. Manchester City, his former club, also retained a buy-back option.

But it was Chelsea who ultimately secured his signature. Speaking ahead of the Blues’ Club World Cup clash against ES Tunis on Wednesday, Delap explained the motivation behind his decision.

“You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you’ve just got to go with your gut and hope it works out,” Delap said from Chelsea’s base in Philadelphia. “I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.”

One of those he consulted was Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, a long-time friend and former teammate from their Manchester City youth days.

“I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know,” Delap said. “But I don’t like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear.”

Palmer’s meteoric rise at Chelsea has made him a central figure at Stamford Bridge. When asked if he hoped to replicate Palmer’s success, Delap responded: “Yeah, of course, that’s the goal. I think we both had similar positions and he’s gone and smashed it so hopefully I can also.”

Reports in May indicated Manchester United had been favourites to sign Delap, but their disappointing campaign – which ended with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham and no European football next season – worked in Chelsea’s favour.

“It wasn’t the be all and end all because I was also looking towards future seasons,” Delap said of Chelsea’s Champions League qualification. “But also, it helps.”

Delap is no stranger to Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca, having played under him at Manchester City. Under Maresca’s guidance, Delap scored 20 goals and won the PL2 Player of the Season award in 2020/21, helping City’s U21 side win the title.

“I’ve got a good relationship with the manager,” he said. “I know how he plays. I’ve played in this system before. It’s very similar now but with little tweaks. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That’s what excited me.”

Delap has also made headlines for his decision to wear Chelsea’s famed number nine shirt, often labeled “cursed” due to past struggles of high-profile strikers like Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Torres, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Asked if he believed in the curse, Delap was dismissive. “No, I’m not that type of person. It’s something that people talk about but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s something that’s related to strikers so I chose it.”

His first start came at the Lincoln Financial Field during the Club World Cup, and Chelsea boss Maresca has already publicly backed the youngster to become “England’s number nine.”

However, joining Chelsea came at a personal cost for Delap, who was forced to forgo representing England at the Under-21 European Championship.

“I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that,” he admitted. “But I signed here and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well. I need to get to know everyone so that’s why I’m here.

“I’m with the boys all the time, it helps me settle in really fast and we can prepare and work on things that we want to use in the season to come.”

With Nicolas Jackson suspended following a red card in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, Delap could play a pivotal role against ES Tunis. Speaking on Jackson’s dismissal, Delap said: “I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky. He has obviously not meant to do it; these things happen in football and I am sure he will get over it.”

The pressure of leading the line for a club like Chelsea is immense, with scrutiny from former players and pundits alike – including John Obi Mikel’s recent criticism of Jackson.

Yet Delap insists he is mentally prepared for the spotlight.

“I don’t really like to look at everything from the outside,” he said. “I am at a big club now and I have probably not had that amount [of pressure] but my mind is strong enough to not let it affect me.”