Chelsea on Tuesday announced the signing of English forward Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a deal worth £30 million, Afrosport reports.
The Blues met the release clause in his Ipswich contract and Delap moves to Stamford Bridge having signed a six-year deal until 2031.
Chelsea were engulfed in an intense battle for the young forward and reportedly beat competition from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton for his signature.
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” said Delap. “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.”
Liam Delap, welcome to our house. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/EO3GIT0mlv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 4, 2025
Delap starred for Ipswich in the 2024-25 season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 37 Premier League matches.
The 22-year-old striker reunites with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who was his coach at the Elite Development Squad of Manchester City’s youth team setup.
The England U-21 international made six first-team appearances for City, scoring once in the League Cup. He has also spent time on loan at Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City following his emergence from City’s academy.
He signed a five-year deal to join Ipswich in a deal worth up to £20m in July 2024 but spent only one season at Portman Road following the team’s relegation from the Premier League.
Delap is Chelsea’s second summer signing following the arrival of Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon.
The Blues, winners of the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League, will be making a return to the Champions League next season, which played a major role in the Englishman agreeing to the move.
“Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,” he added. “I wanted to come here to win trophies.
“When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”
Chelsea are also participating in the Club World Cup 2025, set to take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July, meaning Delap will likely not represent England at the U-21 European Championships, which kicks off on 11 June in Slovakia.
Maresca’s side are drawn in Group C in the Club World Cup alongside ES Tunis, Flamengo, and Los Angeles FC, who they play in their opening game on Monday, 16 June.
