Chelsea are set to reignite the age-old club-versus-country debate as [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/05/30/chelsea-liam-delap-club-world-cup-england-transfer/) reports that they will ask Liam Delap to choose the FIFA Club World Cup over England duty this summer.
The 22-year-old is edging closer to a £30 million move to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea activated his release clause at Ipswich Town.
Delap had a fantastic breakthrough campaign in the Premier League, announcing himself to the league’s heavy hitters with 12 goals for a struggling Ipswich side.
The explosive striker impressed with his raw strength, hold-up play, technical ability, and ball-striking prowess. He was on the radar of several Premier League teams, but Chelsea have won the race.
Delap is set for a busy summer. He’s in line to represent England at the Under-21 European Championship, with Lee Carsley’s side set to defend their crown in Slovakia.
However, the expanded Club World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 in the United States, just two days after the Young Lions’ curtain raiser against the Czech Republic.
The conflict of interest has left Chelsea with no choice but to ask Delap to leave his national team duties if they wrap up a deal early enough.
Chelsea are one of several European powerhouses set to play in the tournament, and the Blues are keen to be crowned world champions for a second time.
But after tasting glory at Euro 2022, you wouldn’t blame Delap for wanting to represent his country in another rollercoaster tournament in Slovakia.
However, he now has a huge decision to make once he signs his long-term deal with Chelsea. Manchester City are facing a similar tug-of-war.
When the Football Association called up Rico Lewis and James McAtee for England’s U21 squad, Pep Guardiola questioned the logic of pulling players from club duties, especially when clubs are the ones footing the wage bill.
McAtee has since joined the England camp, but no resolution has been reached over Lewis.
[Delap is on the cusp of reuniting with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea](https://footballtoday.com/2025/05/29/chelsea-lead-race-for-liam-delap-as-man-utd-and-newcastle-admit-defeat/). Personal terms haven’t been finalised, but a medical has already been scheduled for Monday.
Chelsea are still expected to sign a centre-back and a left winger this summer.