EPL on Citi: Chelsea sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap in £30m deal

Chelsea has signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million. The 22-year-old has agreed to 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 that Chelsea will pay £20 million upfront. Ipswich has negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the agreement. Delap chose Chelsea over Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton.

Delap expressed excitement about joining Chelsea. He said he understands the club's stature and its trajectory under the current head coach. He hopes to develop and help the club win more trophies.

Last season, Delap scored 12 goals in 37 top-flight appearances. He came through Manchester City’s academy and 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. Delap appreciated the support from boss Kieran McKenna and fans during his time there. This environment helped him gain valuable Premier League experience.

Delap is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Rory Delap. He was previously at Derby County's academy before moving to City's academy as a teenager. At City, he made six first-team appearances and scored once in the League Cup.

Chelsea recently won this season’s UEFA Conference League and qualified for next season’s Champions League. This gives Delap an opportunity to add to his single 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, which takes priority over the U21 Euros.

The Blues will face Los Angeles FC on June 16 in their first match of that tournament.