By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the signing of England U-21 striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, in a deal of £30m securing the young forward on a contract that runs until 2031.
The 21-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge following an impressive 2024/25 Premier League campaign, during which he netted 12 goals for newly-promoted Ipswich and earned a nomination for the league’s Young Player of the Year award.
Expressing his excitement, Delap 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’s move reunites him with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, under whom he thrived in Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.
During his time in City’s youth setup, Delap showcased his scoring prowess with 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 matches. He also scored on his senior debut in the League Cup and made his Premier League bow against Leicester City.
Following loan spells at Stoke City and Preston North End, Delap had a strong season with Hull City before making the jump to Ipswich. There, he proved his Premier League credentials, scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances and helping the club maintain top-flight status.
The son of former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, Liam has steadily climbed the ranks of English football, also earning caps at various England youth levels, most recently for the Under-21s in March.
Chelsea’s acquisition of Delap adds to their growing pool of young talent as the club continues to reshape its squad under Maresca.
