Liam Delap Set to Join Chelsea in £30m Move from Ipswich Town

Chelsea are close to signing striker Liam Delap after agreeing to pay his £30 million release clause. The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for Ipswich Town in the Premier League last season. Delap has chosen Chelsea despite interest from other top English clubs.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Delap’s performances attracted attention from Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton. However, Chelsea offered Champions League football and coach Enzo Maresca as a key attraction. Delap has played under Maresca at Manchester City’s Under-21 team. He informed clubs of his decision and is set to sign a long-term contract.

Manchester City, Delap’s former club, will not use their buy-back clause. This clears the way for his move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will pay the £30m release clause after Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League. This is seen as good value for an emerging English striker.

THE FUTURE FOR CHELSEA AND DELAP

Chelsea finished the 2024-25 season as Conference League champions, securing a Champions League spot for next season. They are rebuilding their squad, and Delap’s arrival adds needed strength upfront.

Last season, Delap played in 37 Premier League matches for Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals. However, his efforts could not stop the club from returning to the Championship. Delap’s former Manchester City teammate, Cole Palmer, now at Chelsea, can help him settle quickly in London.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Chelsea’s next competitive match is the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, starting in June. Delap is expected to be available if the deal is finalized in time. Chelsea aim to close the gap to the Premier League’s top teams, after finishing seventh last season, three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United. Their first Premier League match of the 2025-26 campaign will soon follow the Club World Cup, and Delap is eager to make an immediate impact as Chelsea look to boost their challenge both domestically and in Europe.