Chelsea to Sign Liam Delap in £30m Deal from Ipswich Town

Chelsea are ready to sign striker Liam Delap by paying his £30 million release clause. The 22-year-old impressed at Ipswich Town even though they were relegated. Delap chose Chelsea over other Premier League rivals. Playing in the Champions League and manager Enzo Maresca’s influence were key factors in his decision.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have beaten Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton to sign Delap. The club is finalizing the deal with Delap and his agents, with only a few steps left before completion. Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich in the 2024-25 season. He will join Chelsea on a long-term contract. Manchester City, his former club, had a buy-back option but chose not to use it. This allowed Chelsea to move quickly and sign the striker. Delap knows new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca from his time in Manchester City’s youth setup. The chance to play in the Champions League also influenced his choice to move to Stamford Bridge.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Signing Delap is important for Chelsea. They are Conference League champions and have now secured a spot in next season’s Champions League. Delap adds strength to their attack as they look to build on their success under Maresca. Chelsea finished the league season strong, earning European football before Manchester United. United missed out after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. Delap was outstanding for Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in his first full Premier League season. Losing their top scorer is a setback for Ipswich as they return to the Championship after relegation.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND DELAP?

Once announced, Delap will join Chelsea in time for preseason. He could also play in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer. Delap might reunite with Cole Palmer, his former Manchester City teammate, who is now a key player at Chelsea. Chelsea’s first Champions League match for the 2025-26 season is in September. Delap is expected to play an important role as the club competes in multiple competitions. After finishing above Manchester United and securing Champions League football, Chelsea will now focus on integrating Delap and preparing for next season’s challenges.