By Martin Graham
Chelsea have completed the transfer of forward Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, securing the 22-year-old on a six-year deal that runs until 2031. The move comes after the Blues activated his £30 million release clause following Ipswich’s relegation to the EFL Championship.
Delap caught the attention of several Premier League sides after a standout season with the Tractor Boys. Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton were also said to be monitoring the situation, but Chelsea moved quickly to finalize the agreement.
Delap expressed excitement about joining the West London club, pointing to the quality of the squad and the project under head coach Enzo Maresca. He said the opportunity to grow and succeed at such a high level is something he looks forward to.
The striker is familiar with Maresca, having played under him during their stint together at Manchester City’s development squad. That previous connection may help smooth his transition into the first team setup at Stamford Bridge.
In the previous league campaign, Delap made 37 appearances for Ipswich Town, finding the net 12 times. His performances contributed to the club’s Premier League push, although they ultimately dropped back into the Championship.
With Chelsea returning to Champions League football next season, Delap will need to adapt quickly and prove his value. He is expected to compete with Nicolas Jackson for time in the starting lineup as the club continues its search for consistency in the striker role.
Chelsea have struggled to find a regular goalscorer in recent years, with previous options like Kai Havertz and Timo Werner falling short of expectations. Delap now enters that conversation, facing the challenge of delivering at a top-tier level.
Although it’s unclear whether he will participate in the upcoming Club World Cup, the summer tournament could be an important stage for Delap to earn support from fans and stake his claim in the squad moving forward.
