Chelsea complete signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Chelsea fend off Man United to make first summer signing
- Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich on a deal until 2031 after triggering his £30 million release clause, making him their first summer signing.
- The agreement was reached last week, and Delap, an England under-21 international, can join immediately due to FIFA’s 10-day June transfer window, allowing him to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States.
- Delap expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club's stature, trajectory, and the opportunity to develop and win trophies.
- Chelsea reportedly beat Manchester United to the signing, with the absence of European football for United being a significant factor in Delap's decision.
- Delap's arrival reunites him with Enzo Maresca, with whom he worked at Manchester City's under-23 team and senior squad, and addresses Chelsea's need for attacking reinforcements due to injuries and a lack of consistent goal-scoring support.