Premier League
Liam Delap’s Man Utd Transfer Was ‘90 Per Cent Done’ Before Striker Chose Chelsea Move Instead
Liam Delap’s Man Utd Transfer Was ‘90 Per Cent Done’ Before Striker Chose Chelsea Move Instead
Football transfers can be unpredictable — and this summer, Liam Delap’s story proved that again. The young English striker was on the verge of signing for Manchester United, with the deal reportedly “90 per cent done” before collapsing dramatically.
Instead, Delap stunned many by joining Chelsea, where he’s now recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks.
The Transfer That Almost Was
Manchester United were desperate for attacking reinforcements last summer. While they eventually secured Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74 million, they had also been in advanced talks to bring Liam Delap to Old Trafford.
Delap — who had a £30 million relegation release clause after Ipswich Town’s drop from the Premier League — seemed like a perfect, low-risk signing. According to The Daily Mail, the move was “as much as 90% complete” before things fell apart.
So, what went wrong?
Why Delap Chose Chelsea Instead
Reports suggest United’s lack of European football was a major deciding factor. Their failure to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham made the move less appealing.
Chelsea, on the other hand, offered a more exciting project under new manager Enzo Maresca — and that was enough to sway the young forward.
Delap explained:
“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. I’ve got a good relationship with the manager and I know how he plays.”
He also revealed he sought advice from close friend Cole Palmer, who made the same switch from Manchester City to Chelsea the year before.
“I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know… Ultimately it was my decision, so I wanted my head to be clear.”
Early Chelsea Days — And A Setback
Delap hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, even picking up Club World Cup silverware shortly after his arrival — a quick reward for his bold decision.
However, his early momentum was halted by a hamstring injury, keeping him out of action and delaying his first Premier League goal for the Blues.
Still, his long-term prospects look bright under Maresca’s system, which emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions — a perfect fit for Delap’s energetic style.
Meanwhile, United Moved On
While Delap rehabbed, Benjamin Sesko began to justify United’s hefty investment. The Slovenian striker has notched two goals in eight appearances across all competitions — not earth-shattering numbers, but a sign of steady adaptation to the Premier League.
For Manchester United fans, missing out on Delap might sting a bit — especially given the price difference. But for Chelsea, it seems the gamble might just pay off once the young forward is fully fit again.
⚽ At Sports Market International, we bring you exclusive football stories, breaking transfer updates, and behind-the-scenes insights — keeping you plugged into the pulse of the game. No fluff, just the facts and fun that make us the best sport blog for true fans.
News
Alan Shearer Slams Man Utd For Overpaying On Benjamin Sesko Transfer
Shearer Criticizes Man Utd’s Big Spending On Sesko
Manchester United’s £70-74 million acquisition of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has come under fire from Premier League legend Alan Shearer. The Slovenia international has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances this season.
Shearer told Betfair:
“One player that must do better for United is Benjamin Sesko. They paid 70 odd million for him. That was a lot of money, I know it’s the market but it was too much. He’s had a tough start and I don’t expect huge things from him to be honest.”
The ex-Newcastle striker added that while Sesko is a talented player, he doubts the striker can justify the hefty transfer fee so far.
Sesko’s Early Struggles And Injury Concerns
Sesko has also faced injury issues, limiting his game time. In a recent Premier League clash against Tottenham, Sesko was introduced in the 58th minute but had to be substituted after a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven. United manager Ruben Amorim stressed that the injury was a bigger concern than Sesko’s form:
“That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker. I am more concerned with an injury, because it’s in the knee, we don’t know, we need Ben to be a better team.”
Sesko was subsequently ruled out during the international break, leaving his availability for Slovenia’s World Cup qualifiers in doubt.
Slovenia Coach Demands Respect From Man Utd
National team boss Matjaz Kek expressed frustration at United’s handling of Sesko’s injury, highlighting a lack of official communication:
“With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents… United haven’t contacted anyone from our camp. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing. Slovenia deserves respect, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England.”
Kek’s comments underline tensions between the club and country as Sesko navigates both injury recovery and his adaptation to life in the Premier League.
Can Sesko Turn Things Around?
With United investing heavily in Sesko, the pressure is mounting for the young striker to justify the £70m price tag. Injuries and adaptation challenges have made a slow start inevitable, but fans will be hoping for a return to form soon.
As Shearer suggests, expectations may need recalibrating — but the season is far from over, and Sesko’s next performances could define his Manchester United career.
Premier League
Leandro Trossard’s Stunning Evolution Impresses Former Coach Amid Arsenal Breakout Season
Leandro Trossard’s Stunning Evolution Impresses Former Coach Amid Arsenal Breakout Season
Leandro Trossard has been nothing short of sensational this season — but perhaps the most surprising person in the world right now is the man who coached him years ago.
Peter Maes, the former Genk boss who oversaw Trossard’s early development, admits he can hardly believe the transformation.
Why? Because the player Arsenal fans now hail as calm, reliable and incredibly decisive was once… a serial sulker.
From Sulking Youngster to Arsenal’s Silent Weapon
With Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Trossard has owned Arsenal’s left flank with confidence and consistency. In 14 matches across competitions, he has delivered four goals and four assists — numbers that have directly earned the Gunners crucial Premier League points, including his match-winning strike against Fulham.
Inside the club, coaches routinely praise his level-headedness. They call him a player who shuts out noise, focuses on work, and stays locked in mentally — a far cry from the player Maes once struggled to manage.
The Coach Who Didn’t See It Coming
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg, Maes shared his honest surprise:
“At that time, I didn’t immediately see Leandro as a true captain… he wasn’t a regular starter yet, and he often sulked in training.”
But fast-forward to 2024, and he sees a completely different man.
“It’s true that Leandro is a strong personality now. He believes in himself deeply and can convey that belief to others.”
With Belgium missing key leaders like Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, Trossard is even being considered for the national team captaincy. That’s how far he’s come.
Transfer Interest? Arsenal Closed the Door
Roma tried.
Fenerbahce asked questions.
Saudi clubs — as usual — hovered.
But Mikel Arteta didn’t blink. He wasn’t selling.
Trossard’s versatility across the front line, combined with his leadership maturity, makes him invaluable in a squad competing on four fronts.
Big Nights, Big Goals — Trossard Loves It
Fresh off scoring in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Athletic Club, Trossard explained why he thrives in pressure moments:
“Those games are why you want to become a footballer… I love the big games. We’ve been so close to winning something — it’s time to push for trophies.”
That hunger is precisely what Arsenal fans want to hear.
A Complete Reinvention
From a moody teenager who didn’t like being benched…
To a Premier League match-winner…
To a potential Belgium captain…
Leandro Trossard’s evolution is one of football’s most underrated glow-ups — and Arsenal are reaping every bit of the reward.
News
Pep Guardiola Tipped To Stay At Man City For Two More Years As Ex-Star Explains Why He’s Still A Better Tactician Than Mikel Arteta
Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has once again become a headline conversation, but former City forward Paul Dickov believes the Catalan genius isn’t going anywhere just yet. Despite reports hinting that Guardiola might leave next summer, Dickov insists the City boss still has the hunger, energy and tactical sharpness to remain in charge until the end of his contract in 2027.
This comes after Guardiola himself admitted earlier in the year that he would “stop coaching” once his Manchester City chapter ends. The comment triggered waves of speculation, even though Pep later joked that his break might not come until “2035.” For now, he seems fully committed to the job, repeatedly stressing that his mission at City is far from complete. He believes his team can still reach new levels, and according to him, the energy inside the camp has returned stronger than ever.
Dickov agrees. Speaking recently, he explained that Guardiola looks just as fresh and driven as he did the day he stepped through the Etihad doors. He praised the atmosphere Pep has built — one where both staff and players feel motivated to give everything. With City undergoing a strategic rebuild featuring younger players and new tactical ideas, Dickov believes Pep is genuinely enjoying this phase of the project.
The more intriguing talking point is the ongoing comparison between Guardiola and his former assistant, Mikel Arteta. Arsenal may be four points ahead of City in the Premier League table, but Dickov insists that Guardiola remains unmatched when it comes to tactical brilliance. The recent 3–0 win over Liverpool was his perfect example: a match where City’s fluid structure, intelligent movement and in-game adjustments completely overwhelmed Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Guardiola’s ability to tweak the shape, rotate roles and control the rhythm of matches continues to set him apart. Even when critics claim he relies too much on playing from the back, he has shown this season that he is more than willing to go direct to Erling Haaland when needed — a reminder that his philosophy is adaptable, not rigid.
For Dickov, that is the difference. Arteta is exceptional, but Pep is still the master. And as long as he remains at Manchester City, the Premier League will continue to witness tactical innovation at its highest level.
So, despite rumours of an early exit, all signs point toward Guardiola staying put for at least two more years. The project is thriving, the motivation is intact, and the competitive fire is still burning. For City fans — and for football lovers who appreciate a managerial genius — that’s very good news.
-
More Sports2 days agoMark Wood Cleared After Hamstring Scare As England Finalise Ashes Plans
-
News1 day agoRON ON HIS WAY! Ronaldo Makes New Portgual Decision After Red Card Nightmare
-
World Cup 202610 hours agoRoy Keane Calls Out England Star For Being ‘A Bit Soft’ Despite flawless Albania Win
-
Local News7 hours agoNwabali Apologises To Nigerians After Super Eagles’ Painful World Cup Exit
-
Local News2 days agoMario Lemina Reacts Emotionally As Gabon Crash Out Against Super Eagles
-
Local News3 days agoShakirat Moshood Makes Final Three Nominees For 2025 CAF Young Player Of The Year (Women)
-
News3 days agoPep Guardiola Tipped To Stay At Man City For Two More Years As Ex-Star Explains Why He’s Still A Better Tactician Than Mikel Arteta
-
Premier League2 days agoLeandro Trossard’s Stunning Evolution Impresses Former Coach Amid Arsenal Breakout Season