Chelsea have beaten off competition from Premier League rivals to secure the signing of English striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth £30 million ($41 million).
Delap, 22, impressed in his lone Premier League season at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals despite Ipswich’s immediate relegation back to the Championship. His performances caught the attention of several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United and Everton, both of whom were reportedly ready to trigger the England U-21 international’s release clause.
However, Chelsea have won the race for the former Manchester City forward, strengthening their attacking line ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on June 14. Delap has signed a six-year contract with the Blues.
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap said in his first interview as a Chelsea player.
“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”
Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League this past season, sealing a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. They also lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League title with a 4–1 win over Real Betis in Enzo Maresca’s debut season as head coach.
Despite the strong finish, Chelsea’s lack of a consistent goalscorer remained a glaring weakness. Nicolas Jackson managed just 10 goals in 30 league appearances, while Christopher Nkunku—hampered by injuries and inconsistent form—appears set to leave after a disappointing two-year stint.
Delap, son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap, began his career at Manchester City but found first-team opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola. He spent loan spells in the Championship with Stoke, Preston, and Hull before Ipswich secured his services last summer for a fee rising to £20 million.
Though Ipswich struggled on their return to the top flight—finishing bottom with just 22 points—Delap was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal campaign.
Chelsea are set to face Flamengo, LAFC, and ES Tunis in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.
AFP
