Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap for £30 million, securing the player ahead of rivals Manchester United. Sources suggest the Europa Conference League winners are close to finalising the transfer agreement.
The £30 million valuation for Delap is due to a specific release clause included in his contract, which became active following Ipswich`s relegation from the Premier League. Negotiations between Chelsea and Ipswich are understood to be in their final stages.
While several clubs expressed interest in Delap, with Manchester United having been the most prominently linked for a considerable period, the opportunity to join a club participating in the Champions League next season appears to have been a decisive factor in favour of Chelsea, despite United`s long-standing pursuit.
Despite Ipswich enduring a difficult season that ended with them dropping out of the top flight, Delap himself had a notable breakthrough campaign, successfully scoring 12 goals in the Premier League.
Prior to his Premier League stint, he spent the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons gaining experience on loan in the Championship. During these loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City, he accumulated 12 goals across 70 appearances.
