How Cole Palmer convinced me to join Chelsea – Delap

Liam Delap has revealed that a key factor in his move to Chelsea this summer was the influence of his former teammate, Cole Palmer.

The 22-year-old striker, who recently signed for the Blues in a £30 million ($40.4 million) deal, said Palmer’s input played a big role in helping him choose Stamford Bridge over several other suitors.

Delap, who was also being pursued by Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest, opted for Chelsea after speaking with Palmer, who made a similar move from Manchester City in 2023.

The two players share a strong bond, having risen through the ranks together at Manchester City and winning the Premier League 2 title during the 2020-21 season. Delap said he reached out to Palmer for advice when weighing his options, and the midfielder’s glowing review of life at Chelsea helped seal the decision.

“Yeah I spoke to him a little bit,” Delap said. “Asked him what I needed to ask him. He told me what I needed to know. I don’t like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear so not too much.

[I’ve known him] since I was 15, playing at City with him.

I’ve got a good relationship with him so it was nice to see a familiar face.

“There are so many factors that go into it. I’ve got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I’ve played in this system before. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That’s what excited me.”

Palmer completed his own move from City to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 and has since gone on to become one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.

It is a path Delap hopes to emulate. “Of course, that’s the goal,” he said. “I think we both had similar positions and he’s gone and smashed it so hopefully I can also. I think he’s always been that good and everyone at City will tell you that. The rate he’s done it at is incredible. But I think ultimately it was always going to happen.”

Delap also confirmed the move changed his summer plans, having originally targeted a run at the European under-21 Championships with England.

“I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that,” Delap said.

“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.”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has suggested Delap could be a future No. 9 for England and when asked whether he had spoken to seniors boss Thomas Tuchel, Delap said: “I think obviously it’s going to help being at a club like this. If I’m playing badly then obviously I know I’m not going to be in but if I’m playing well then it gives me a good chance.”