OFFICIAL: Chelsea announce signing of ‘World class’ attacker on a six-year deal
Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Liam Delap after triggering the €35 million (£30m) release clause in his Ipswich Town contract.
The England U21 international has penned a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge, although he is not expected to be part of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad as he will play for England at the U21 European Championship.
Delap scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances during his debut season at Portman Road and his form for Kieran McKenna’s side attracted significant interest from a host of English top flight clubs.
Arsenal, Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United were all interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer, however Chelsea quickly emerged as the frontrunners for his signature after securing Champions League qualification, and they have now formally announced his arrival.
Delap is expected to compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth under Enzo Maresca next campaign and he will provide the Blues with additional firepower ahead of their first season in Europe’s elite club competition since 2022-23.
Liam Delap joins Chelsea
Delap spent 10 years in Derby County’s youth system before joining Manchester City at the age of 16 in 2019.
He worked under Chelsea boss Maresca during his time at the Etihad Stadium, while he played alongside current Blues stars Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia before being sent on loan to Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.
Delap, who has three goals in 12 appearances for England’s U21 side, then joined Ipswich on a permanent deal for €17.9m last summer, and his form for the Tractor Boys has earned him a lucrative move to Chelsea.