Chelsea Football Club have officially signed highly-rated Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in a £30 million blockbuster transfer deal.
The 22-year-old forward penned a six-year contract with the Stamford Bridge giants after Chelsea triggered a release clause activated by Ipswich’s recent relegation from the Premier League. The deal sees the Blues pay an initial £20 million, with additional clauses including a sell-on percentage that could boost the total fee further.
Delap becomes Chelsea’s first major signing of the summer under new manager Enzo Maresca, who reportedly beat off fierce competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton to land the England U-21 international.
“This is a massive step for me,” said Delap after sealing the move. “I understand the size of this club, its ambitions, and the direction it’s heading under the head coach. I want to win trophies here and continue developing my game.”
Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season, standing out in a struggling Ipswich side. The former Manchester City academy product had earlier spells on loan at Stoke, Preston, and Hull before moving to Portman Road in 2024 for £20 million.
The young striker praised former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and the club’s fans for giving him a platform to shine. “Ipswich was the perfect place for me to grow,” he said. “I’ll never forget the support I received there.”
Son of former Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap, Liam began his youth career at Derby County before joining Manchester City’s academy, where he scored once in six first-team appearances and played in the League Cup. He made his UEFA Champions League debut with City in 2022.
With Chelsea returning to the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Conference League, Delap will now have the chance to compete on Europe’s biggest stage once again.
The Blues are also preparing for a massive summer as they gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, running from June 14 to July 13. Chelsea will face MLS side Los Angeles FC in their opening match on June 16.
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Delap’s inclusion in England’s U-21 squad for the European Championships in Slovenia is now in doubt due to Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments. Still, the striker is seen as a long-term solution to Chelsea’s attacking woes.
Last season, Cole Palmer led Chelsea’s scoring chart with 15 league goals. Nicolas Jackson netted 10 in 30 games, while Christopher Nkunku managed just three from 27 appearances. Teenage sensation Marc Guiu failed to find the net in his debut outings.
Chelsea are not done yet. Talks are ongoing with AC Milan for French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 29, although the two clubs remain far apart in valuation. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund winger and England youth star Jamie Gittens; a former Chelsea academy product; is also on the Blues’ radar as the transfer window heats up.
With Delap already on board, Chelsea fans are dreaming of a rejuvenated front line as the club sets its sights on domestic and international glory in the upcoming season.
