Chelsea complete deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap

Chelsea have reportedly completed the transfer deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap on a six-year contract on Wednesday after the Blues triggered his £30 million release clause.

Chelsea, who activated Delap’s Premier League relegation release clause a few days ago, have now completed the move, beating off interest from Manchester United and Newcastle to his signature.

Delap scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Ipswich in his first Premier League season, despite manager Kieran McKenna’s side being relegated back to the Championship after a poor showing in the English top flight.

The West London club moved swiftly to sign Delap after their season ended with a 4-1 UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis, while also earning a fourth-place finish in the Premier League to qualify them for Champions League football next season.

Delap will reunite at Chelsea with three familiar figures: Enzo Maresca, Cole Palmer, and Romeo Lavia, whom he knows from playing at the youth level with Manchester City.

The 22-year-old will be free to play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, with the FA permitting his involvement in the England squad for the U21s European Championship.

Delap scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Ipswich in his first Premier League season. He signs for Chelsea on a six-year contract(Image credit: Chelsea/Getty Images)

Delap started his career in Derby County’s academy before joining Manchester City in 2019. After a season with the club’s Under-18s, he stepped up to the Elite Development Squad, where he played under current Blues head coach Enzo Maresca.

He scored on his debut for City’s senior side in the League Cup and was handed his first senior appearance against Leicester City.

The England youth striker enjoyed more first-team appearances during the 2021/22 season before he embarked on loan spells at Stoke City and Preston North End.

Delap spent the 2023/24 season with Hull City, scoring eight goals, and secured a move to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

The England U21 international told Chelsea’s official website:

“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.

“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.”