Chelsea Football Club is set to secure the signing of 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap by triggering his €35 million (£30m) release clause, outpacing interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton.
According to transfer expert David Ornstein, Delap has agreed to a six-year contract with Chelsea, which will bind him to the club until 2031. The transfer is expected to be finalized following a medical scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, with an official announcement to follow shortly.
Delap, a former Manchester City youth product, emerged as a sought-after talent after an impressive 2024-25 Premier League season, where he scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Ipswich Town.
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His performances, in his only season at Portman Road after a €18m move from Manchester City, attracted attention from multiple top clubs. Despite an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €26.2m, Chelsea’s decision to meet his release clause underscores their belief in his potential to bolster their attacking options.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sees Delap as a key addition to their squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Winchester-born striker could make his competitive debut for the Blues against LAFC on June 16, 2025, with group stage matches against Flamengo and ES Tunis to follow, potentially leading to knockout rounds.
At Stamford Bridge, Delap will compete directly with Nicolas Jackson for the No. 9 role. Jackson, while occasionally impressive, has been inconsistent over the past two seasons, prompting Chelsea to view Delap as a more dependable option to lead their attack.
This transfer aligns with Chelsea’s strategy of investing in young, high-potential players who are capable of delivering both immediate impact and long-term growth. Delap’s arrival is expected to enhance the team’s attacking depth and provide a platform for him to build on his promising Premier League record.
