The newly signed Chelsea forward, Liam Delap has hinted on the reason why he chosed the Blues over Manchester United despite interest from the red devils.
The 2024-25 premier league young player of the season nominee, Delap has revealed that the prospect of winning trophies was a defining factor behind his decision to join Chelsea despite competing interest from serious suitors like Manchester United.
Once it was known that Delap’s Tractor Boys contract included a bargain £30 million ($40.7 million) buyout clause which would be come into effect if the Ipswich got relegated, the English striker became one of the most sought-after players in the division.
United was one of the teams that was interested to open discussion with Delap before the 22-year-old never struck an agreement with the waning historical giants and instead put pen to paper on a 6-year deal with Chelsea.
During Delaps’s first press statement as a Chelsea player, he said; “Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years. I wanted to come here to win trophies
“When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective,” the former Manchester City youngster added.
Chelsea finished 11 places and 27 points above United in the 2024–25 Premier League season. While the Blues, who are reigning Conference League champions, have qualified for the Champions League, United’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final ensures they won’t be involved in any continental competition in 2025-2026.
According to a claim, European football was a factor in Delap’s decision, together with the promise of playing in the Premier League’s youngest squad and alongside his former team mate Cole Palmer. The bustling centre-forward played in Manchester City’s youth teams, where he also came under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca.
“He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much. He has a great understanding of the game,” Delap said of the Italian manager.
“He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.
“I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.”
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