The striker, publicly courted by Everton, has been unveiled at Stamford Bridge after sealing a £30m move from Ipswich Town
Liam Delap poses for a photo as Chelsea unveil him as a new signing at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old was a target for Everton. Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Delap poses for a photo as Chelsea unveil him as a new signing at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old was a target for Everton. Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Everton target Liam Delap has opened up on his reasons for instead opting on a move to Chelsea. The striker, whose 12 Premier League goals for relegated Ipswich Town led to much of the top flight pursuing him this summer, was confirmed as the latest addition at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
He had been courted by David Moyes during the final weeks of the campaign - though the Blues boss repeatedly conceded Everton were underdogs in the fight for his signature.
Moyes’ expectations proved accurate when, last week, it emerged Chelsea were the preferred bidders for the 22-year-old, who was available for £30m because of Ipswich’s relegation.
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In his unveiling interview with Chelsea, Delap said of his decision: “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.”
Delap, who was also wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, did speak with Everton in the final week of the campaign. The Blues hoped the offer of being the leading star in the club’s venture into a promising new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium could add weight to their bid.
Following those talks, Moyes said: “We’ve had a chance to speak to him, yes.
“He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”
But with Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League on the final day of the season before being crowned Europa Conference League champions, the allure of London was too great. Delap’s decision was further boosted by the personal links he has to several of the backroom staff at Chelsea, including manager Enzo Maresca, who coached him in the Manchester City academy.
The prospect of building relationships on the pitch with the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill - who have all been featured in the senior England squad - was also influential ahead of a World Cup year.