Chelsea have reportedly signed Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after they agreed to pay his £30 million release clause. The 22-year-old target man has chosen Stamford Bridge over Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton.
Delap was reportedly attracted by the Blues’ qualification to the UEFA Champions League. He is also excited about playing under the tutelage of manager Enzo Maresca, whom he has worked with before at Manchester City.
The transfer will reportedly be completed in a matter of days, with the striker expected to sign a long-term contract. In the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, Delap netted 12 goals for Ipswich Town as the club got relegated. His displays attracted a number of top clubs, including the Blues.
Manchester City, Delap’s former club, have decided against exercising their buy-back option. This means the transfer to Stamford Bridge should go through smoothly. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town are said to be weighing up a move for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as part of the transfer.
Delap’s signing will add depth to the Blues’ attacking lineup ahead of the Club World Cup and Champions League competition next season. He will add to a young squad looking to take advantage of the momentum from their recent UEFA Conference League victory.
Chelsea’s Other Striker Targets
Ahead of finalizing the signing of Liam Delap, Chelsea had inquired about a series of costly strikers to bolster their attack. Napoli’s exorbitant demands and the Blues’ salary cap issues led Victor Osimhen’s talks to stall last summer. Osimhen later signed for Galatasaray on loan, but talks with Stamford Bridge are still ongoing.
Ivan Toney was also a target but instead made a £40 million switch to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Other options had been RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, both of whom had had good seasons but were felt to be too costly.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon was also in the running, but the Blues were put off by Arsenal’s reported £62 million bid.