Chelsea Secures Liam Delap Transfer for £30 Million as Squad Reinforcement

Chelsea have officially signed 22-year-old striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, agreeing to a £30 million transfer fee. The striker signed a six-year deal after Chelsea triggered a release clause following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.

Ipswich will receive an upfront payment of £20 million, with an additional sell-on clause included in the contract. Chelsea beat competition from several Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton to secure Delap’s services.

Delap, a product of Manchester City’s youth system, spent time on loan at Stoke, Preston, and Hull before joining Ipswich in 2024. Last season, he scored 12 goals in 37 top-flight appearances, establishing himself as a talented young forward.

He praised Ipswich for providing the perfect environment for his development, especially highlighting the support from manager Kieran McKenna and the fans. Delap acknowledged that his time at Portman Road was crucial in gaining Premier League experience.

Chelsea struggled for goals last season with no recognized center-forward leading the charts, as Cole Palmer was the team’s top scorer. Delap’s arrival is expected to improve Chelsea’s attacking options significantly in the upcoming campaigns.

In addition to Delap, Chelsea is in talks to strengthen their squad further, pursuing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. Meanwhile, Delap might miss the European Under-21 Championship due to Chelsea’s commitment to the FIFA Club World Cup.