Chelsea sign Ipswich striker Delap in £30m deal

Chelsea has signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million.

The 22-year-old signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea activated a release clause in his Ipswich deal after their relegation from the Premier League.

Reports indicate Chelsea will pay £20 million upfront. Ipswich negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

Enzo Maresca's team beat Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton to secure Delap.

Delap expressed excitement about joining Chelsea. He said he understands the club's stature and its trajectory with current players and the head coach.

He hopes to develop and help Chelsea win more trophies. Last season, Delap scored 12 goals in 37 top-flight appearances.

Delap came through Manchester City's academy. He had loan spells at Stoke, Preston, and Hull before joining Ipswich in 2024 for around £20 million.

He stated he would "never forget" his time at Portman Road. The support from boss Kieran McKenna and fans helped him gain valuable experience.

Delap made just two top-flight appearances with Manchester City before moving to Ipswich. He is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap.

At City, he made six first-team appearances and scored once in the League Cup. After loan spells, he permanently joined Ipswich Town.

Chelsea recently won this season's UEFA Conference League. They have qualified for next season's Champions League, giving Delap a chance to add to his experience there.

He made one appearance in the competition with Manchester City in 2022.

Delap is part of England's training squad for the European Under-21 Championships in Slovenia later this month but may miss it now.

Chelsea will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13 in the United States. This tournament takes priority over the U21 Euros.

The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League but struggled for goals from recognized center-forwards last season. Cole Palmer was their top scorer with 15 goals.

Nicolas Jackson scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances, while Christopher Nkunku had three goals in 27 matches. Teenager Marc Guiu did not score in his three games.