Chelsea have officially completed the signing of 22-year-old striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a deal worth around £30 million ($40.6m), both clubs confirmed on Wednesday. The England Under-21 international has committed to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2030-31 season.
Delap attracted significant interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton. However, the promise of UEFA Champions League football and the opportunity to reunite with former Manchester City teammate Cole Palmer played a pivotal role in the striker choosing Chelsea over other suitors.
Liam Delap joins Chelsea
Delap made headlines during the 2024/25 Premier League season, scoring 12 goals for newly-promoted Ipswich Town. His standout performances earned him a spot on the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award and firmly placed him on the radar of top clubs across the country.
Having started his football journey at Derby County’s academy, Delap moved to Manchester City in 2019. Under the guidance of current Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca in City's Elite Development Squad, Delap flourished netting 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 matches. He also scored on his senior debut for City in the EFL Cup and made his Premier League debut against Leicester City.
From Championship to Champions League
Following loan spells with Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City, Delap joined Ipswich Town for the 2023/24 season. He bagged eight goals during the campaign and played a key role in Ipswich's remarkable rise to the top flight.
With consistent performances and a growing reputation, Delap also became a regular at youth international level, most recently representing England Under-21s in March.
Chelsea fans can look forward to seeing Delap in blue for the 2025/26 campaign, as the club continues to invest in young, homegrown talent for the future.
