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Chelsea confirm first summer transfer as Liam Delap £30m deal secured

Football | June 5, 2025 9:39 AM CST

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town on a six-year contract after the Blues paid the striker’s £30million release clause.

The have been assessing options to add support and competition for over the course of the season and has been identified as the ideal candidate. Delap scored 12 goals for the Tractor Boys despite 's side being relegated back down to the Championship.

Delap had multiple clubs chasing his signature for his development because of 's style of play, the quality already in the squad and the belief the Blues will be competing for the major honours in seasons to come, football.london understands. With Delap fitting into Chelsea’s wage structure, it is a move that makes sense for both parties.

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Speaking to the club's media team on the move, 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."

He later added: "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. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective."

Delap started his career at Derby County, where he came through the academy system before moving to Manchester City in 2019. After a season with the Under-18s, he was promoted to the Elite Development Squad, where he played under Maresca.

Twenty-four goals in 20 Premier League 2 appearances followed for Delap and he even scored on his senior debut in the Carabao Cup. However, first team opportunities were limited for Delap, who had loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.

Delap then moved on from City altogether last summer where he signed for newly-promoted Ipswich. He then scored 12 goals in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, but even with that impressive tally, it was not enough to keep the side in the top-flight.