Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Blues fought off competition from Everton, Manchester United, and Newcastle United to sign the England U-21 striker.
The Conference League champions triggered his £30m release clause last week, and he has now signed on the dotted line at Stamford Bridge on a deal until 2031.
Delap impressed for relegated Ipswich Town in the Premier League in the just-concluded season with 12 goals in 37 matches to earn a place in the nomination for the young player of the year award.
Chelsea confirmed his signing with a statement on their website on Wednesday.
The statement read: “Chelsea is delighted to announce the transfer of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, with the striker signing a contract until 2031.”
Delap expressed his delight at the opportunity to join Chelsea and his desire to further develop his game at Stamford Bridge.
He said, “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach. It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”
Delap started his career in Derby County’s academy before joining Manchester City in 2019. After a season with the club’s under-18s, he stepped up to the Elite Development Squad, where he played under Enzo Maresca.
He will be reuniting with his former Manchester City teammates Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer at Chelsea.
Delap is expected to make his debut for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup in America later this month.
