Liam Delap reveals Cole Palmer conversation ahead of Chelsea move | OneFootball

Former Man City had the choice of multiple clubs for his next destination

Liam Delap has revealed that he sought out Cole Palmer’s advice before deciding to join Chelsea.

Delap, who came through Manchester City’s youth set-up, has said that he spoke to Palmer, another fellow City academy graduate, about life at Stamford Bridge, with Palmer making the switch to west London back in 2023 for £40m.

"You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out," Delap told BBC Sport of his decision-making process.

"You've got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future.

"I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know. But I don't like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear."

Delap said that he wanted to follow in Palmer’s footsteps of success at Chelsea, with the England forward forcing his way into the senior international set-up, as well as becoming the Blues’ talisman.

"Yeah, of course, that's the goal," Delap said. "I think we both had similar positions and he's gone and smashed it so hopefully I can also."

There was another familiar face to welcome the striker to Chelsea, in the shape of manager Enzo Maresca, who assisted Pep Guardiola at Man City.

"I've got a good relationship with the manager," Delap said.

"I know how he plays. I've played in this system before. It's very similar now but with little tweaks. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me."

Delap made his Chelsea bow in the club’s 2-0 win over LAFC at the Club World Cup, and he then started 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.