The 22-year-old completed a switch from Ipswich Town this week and has signed a contract until 2031 with the Blues. It is an important step in the striker’s career – and one he is relishing.

Yet while Delap will form new friendships and build relationships with many new players and staff at Chelsea, there are a handful of people he already knows well. Starting with head coach Enzo Maresca.

The two worked together at Manchester City during the 2020/21 campaign. Maresca oversaw the club’s Elite Development Squad and Delap led the attack, scoring 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 matches to guide the side to a maiden PL2 title.

‘He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much,’ reflects Delap. ‘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.

‘He has a great understanding of the game. He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.

‘I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.’

Delap joined Manchester City from Derby County in 2019 and, during his first campaign, regularly played alongside Cole Palmer for the club’s Under-18s.

‘Cole is incredible in everything he does,’ Delap explains. ‘I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!’

Both stepped up to work under Maresca during the 2020/21 campaign, and they were joined at City by Romeo Lavia, who arrived from Anderlecht.

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

‘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.’