Chelsea are making a statement early in the summer transfer window. The Blues have officially signed Liam Delap (22), one of England’s brightest young strikers, from Ipswich Town. The deal is worth €35 million, matching his release clause.
It’s a bold move from Chelsea to secure their new No. 9. Delap, a product of Manchester City’s academy—like Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia—impressed this season in the Premier League with Ipswich, scoring 12 goals despite the club’s relegation. His performances attracted interest from several top sides, including Manchester United, but it’s Chelsea who won the race. Delap has signed a long-term deal through 2031.
Gyökeres? Ekitike? Sesko? No—Delap.
Delap’s arrival addresses a key need for Chelsea. The striker position has been a priority for the club, especially with Nicolas Jackson’s future still uncertain after a mixed season.
While other names were considered—Viktor Gyökeres, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Šeško—Chelsea opted for a bold, long-term bet: young, English, explosive, Delap fits the club’s evolving identity under its youth-focused recruitment strategy.
And this is just the beginning: Dário Essugo, Kendry Páez, and Estêvão Willian are also expected to join the project this summer.
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