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.

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Abdul Noah Ocholi