New digs: Liam delap settles in at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Delap’s future was the dominant talking point of the early transfer window after it was revealed he would be available for just £30million following Ipswich’s relegation. Chelsea confirmed his arrival on Wednesday after pipping Premier League rivals to his signature. He agreed a five-year deal.
Chelsea hope he will be part of the squad for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks, but it has not been confirmed whether he will participate.
Delap’s presence at the tournament seems all the more likely after he was omitted from England’s squad for the U21 Euros, which will be held at the same time as the Club World Cup.
Delap is a seasoned member of the U21 squad, earning 12 caps since he scored on debut in a 3-0 win over Luxembourg in 2023, though head coach Lee Carsley will still have a star-studded squad at his disposal despite the striker’s absence.
Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Manchester City’s James McAtee will both feature alongside newly-crowned Premier League champions Harvey Elliot and Jarell Quansah. Tino Livramento, Elliot Anderson, and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham will also attend the camp.
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Delap will don the supposedly cursed No9 shirt at Chelsea and said upon signing that he was keen to continue Chelsea’s trophy-winning form, a promise he could deliver on as early as July 13 should he reach the Club World Cup final with Chelsea.
“Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,” Delap said after signing. “I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.”