Liam Delap Chooses Chelsea as His Next Big Move Shocks Man United Fans

Liam Delap has made his decision—and it’s Chelsea. The 22-year-old striker, one of the most exciting young forwards in English football, is set to join the Blues in a £30 million move that’s already creating tremors across the Premier League.

After a breakthrough season with Ipswich Town, where he netted 12 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign, Delap has informed his camp that he favors a move to Stamford Bridge over offers from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Everton. According to reports from The Athletic, Chelsea have now surged ahead in the race, with personal terms expected to be a formality.

For Chelsea, this isn’t just another signing—it’s a reunion. Delap previously flourished under incoming manager Enzo Maresca during their time together in Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, scoring an astonishing 27 goals in just 22 matches. Notably, he also formed a lethal partnership with Cole Palmer, another former City academy product now excelling in blue.

The potential for that synergy to reignite at Stamford Bridge adds an exciting layer to Chelsea’s future attack. Palmer and Delap—once youth teammates, now Premier League contenders—will look to replicate their telepathic understanding on the biggest stage. Fans still recall an U18 clash against Everton where Delap assisted both of Palmer’s goals. Years later, the tables turned as Palmer assisted Delap in a goal for England U21s. Now, that partnership is about to be reloaded in West London.

Enzo Maresca, who recently took charge at Chelsea, has already spoken highly of Delap’s development and attitude. “He’s always there, always fighting, and has the potential to become a top striker. It depends on him,” Maresca said after facing Ipswich earlier this year.

Delap’s arrival also poses questions about Chelsea’s existing frontline, particularly Nicolas Jackson. While the Senegalese forward had a decent season, the competition from a young, hungry, and Premier League-proven talent could intensify the race for the starting role.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s hopes of landing Delap have taken a major blow. The Red Devils had reportedly earmarked the forward as a budget-friendly alternative amid a tighter transfer purse, with plans to spend heavily on other positions. With Delap off the market, United may now turn to pricier targets like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško or Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres.

The release clause in Delap’s contract—viewed as a bargain for a forward of his age and quality—makes this deal a smart piece of business for Chelsea, especially as they look to rebuild under new leadership.

If all goes as expected, Delap could be unveiled in Chelsea blue before the pre-season kicks off, setting the stage for what could be a defining chapter in his young career—and perhaps a revival of the chemistry that once dazzled Manchester City’s youth ranks.