Newcastle United have officially missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old’s £30million transfer from Ipswich Town to Chelsea was confirmed on Wednesday night, after Newcastle held face-to-face talks with Delap.
The presence of Alexander Isak has meant that the Magpies have missed out. Delap wanted to be the first choice striker wherever he went, but Newcastle United could not afford him that luxury.
Enzo Maresca’s side have convinced him they can, despite claims that Chelsea want to sign another striker this summer.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Delap wants trophies after Newcastle United snub
That is not the only reason Delap chose to sign for Chelsea.
Following the announcement of his arrival, Delap spoke to Chelsea’s official website and explained his decision.
“Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,” he said.
“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.
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“The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”
Why Delap was right to pick Chelsea over Newcastle United
Missing out on Delap is a blow for the Magpies, at a time when they are desperate to sign a striker.
Unfortunately for Eddie Howe’s side, Delap was right to pick Chelsea over them.
Like Newcastle United, they can offer him Champions League football. And, like Newcastle United, they can offer him the chance to win trophies. While the Magpies have only just ended their trophy drought, Chelsea have won 20 trophies during the 21st century.
Unlike Newcastle United, Chelsea are more likely to give Delap that consistent starting role that he craves. While Howe may have had visions of Delap playing alongside Isak, the latter would always be the main man.
There is also more familiarity at Chelsea for Delap. He has worked with Enzo Maresca before and played alongside the likes of Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.
When you break it down, perhaps it was not too difficult a decision for Delap. But that does not help Eddie Howe, as Newcastle look for an alternative striker.