Why I Snubbed Manchester United, Nottingham Forest For Chelsea – Delap
Liam Delap has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to snub Manchester United, Everton, and Nottingham Forest to join Chelsea ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The former Ipswich Town forward was given permission to speak to the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest while Manchester City also held a buy-back option to sign him.
However, The English striker opted to join Chelsea in a £30m move before the start of Club World Cup, signing a six-year deal.
The former Man City youth team star said he decided to join Chelsea because of the project presented to him by the owners.
He said: “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. You’ve got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.
“I asked Palmer what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know. But I don’t like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear.
“I’ve got a good relationship with the manager. 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 played alongside Cole Palmer while at Manchester City in the youth team under the tutelage of Enzo Maresca.
He also revealed that he wanted to follow in Palmer’s footsteps of success at Chelsea which helped him to become a member of the English senior team.
“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.
“I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that. 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.”
Delap made his Chelsea debut against LAFC in the Club World Cup, he recorded the assist for Enzo Fernandez’s goal in a 2-0 win.
He will be hoping to seize his chance as he is expected to lead the line in Chelsea’s last group match against ES Tunis on Wednesday.
Enzo Maresca’s men need a victory to book their place in the second round of the competition.
Why I Snubbed Manchester United, Nottingham Forest For Chelsea – Delap is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
