Liam Delap has now been officially announced as a new Chelsea player, becoming the first big name to make the move to West London this summer.
The striker put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge after rejecting interest from numerous other Premier League sides.
Everton offered Delap ‘crazy money’ to make the move there, however Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League ultimately played a big part in his decision.
The opportunity for Delap to work under Enzo Maresca again will have been a big selling point, as well as featuring in an attack which revolves around former Manchester City teammate Cole Palmer.
Delap and Palmer have a great record together, and Chelsea fans will already be excited about their combination and link-up in the months and years to come.
Liam Delap excited to play with Levi Colwill after Chelsea move
Having made plenty of appearances at academy level, the striker has frequently come up against Levi Colwill, who worked his way through the ranks at Cobham before becoming an important first team player.
Delap stated in his first interview to the Chelsea website that he was excited to feature with the defender, saying he left a lasting impression from their battles against each other growing up.
He said: “I also know Levi [Colwill] a bit as we faced each other hundreds of times when we were growing up. It’s always nice to know people [when you join a new club], and I’ve spoken to a few of them and asked them for advice.
“They’ve told me how great a place it is and I’m really excited to come and play alongside them.”
Delap and Colwill’s impressive record as teammates
As two of England’s brightest young talents prepare to be club teammates, they will be looking to build on the impressive results they have already achieved together when on the same side.
According to Transfermarkt, the pair have been on the same side five times for the U16 and U17 national teams, winning four and drawing the other.
This included a huge 4-0 victory over Brazil, where Delap scored in a side that was captained by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
After Colwill won his first trophy as a Chelsea player in the form of the Conference League, he will be hoping their new striker can help fire them to more success next season.
