Chelsea trigger Delap's £30m release clause

Chelsea is set to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. They triggered his £30m release clause.

Several clubs showed interest in Delap. Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest were among them. Ipswich made him available for £30m after their relegation. Manchester City also has a buy-back option.

Delap joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summer for up to £20m. He was recently allowed to speak with interested clubs.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna said, "Liam's looking at his options for next year." He added that the club supports Delap in this decision.

Stamford Bridge is Delap's preferred destination. However, negotiations over personal terms are ongoing.

Chelsea won the UEFA Conference League trophy on Wednesday night. They qualified for the Champions League last week. This gives Delap a chance to add to his one appearance in the competition with Manchester City in 2022.

Last season, Delap made 32 starts in the Premier League for Ipswich and scored 12 goals.

Ipswich finished 19th and were relegated at the end of the season. They are interested in loaning Chelsea striker Marc Guiu as a replacement for Delap.

Guiu scored six goals in 14 appearances for Chelsea this season. However, he missed most of 2025 due to a muscular injury but returned as a late substitute during the Conference League final in Wroclaw.