Liam Delap "can't wait" to link up with Cole Palmer again at Chelsea: "Cole is incredible"

Cole Palmer, Liam Delap. (Deposit Photos)

Liam Delap’s £30 million move to Chelsea from Ipswich Town marks a fresh chapter for the young English striker: a new club, new teammates, new fans – and, crucially, new opportunities, including Champions League football.

But in some ways, it’s a reunion as much as it is a restart.

By joining Chelsea, Delap is reconnecting with both manager Enzo Maresca and star playmaker Cole Palmer – two figures he knows well from his early days at Manchester City.

Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals last season for a relegated Ipswich side, spent the 2020/21 campaign under Maresca’s guidance in City’s academy. That year, he bagged 27 goals and six assists in just 22 appearances across Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

He also formed a strong bond with Palmer, combining with the now-Chelsea star for eight goals in just over 30 academy games together.

Enzo Mareca knows Delap well. (Deposit Photos)

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website after completing the high-profile switch to West London, Delap expressed his excitement at linking back up with both figures.

"He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much," said Delap, reflecting on his time working under Maresca. "What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve – and what the players in that age group have achieved – is incredible."

On Palmer, he added: “Cole is incredible in everything he does. I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!”

Delap also shares a history with Romeo Lavia, another Chelsea player with a Manchester City background.

“I spent a lot of time with them both at City,” Delap said. “We grew up and played some incredible football together. I spoke to them about joining, and I am excited to play alongside them again.”

And there’s yet another familiar face at Stamford Bridge – defender Levi Colwill.

“I also know Levi a bit, as we faced each other hundreds of times growing up," he said. "They’ve told me how great a place it is, and I’m really excited to come and play alongside them.”

With familiar voices on the training pitch and in the dressing room, Chelsea will be hoping Delap settles quickly – and that those past connections help him hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.