Chelsea have officially signed 22-year-old striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal, securing him on a six-year contract through 2031. The transfer was facilitated by a relegation-triggered release clause in Delap’s contract, activated after Ipswich’s drop from the Premier League.
Delap, who netted 12 goals in 37 league appearances last season, attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle. However, he chose Chelsea, influenced by their Champions League qualification and the opportunity to reunite with head coach Enzo Maresca, under whom he previously played at Manchester City.
At Chelsea, Delap will compete with Nicolas Jackson for the striker position. His arrival bolsters the club’s attacking options ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup, where Chelsea is set to face Club León on June 16.
The move also reunites Delap with former Manchester City youth teammates Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, potentially enhancing Chelsea’s attacking dynamics.
