Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old forward Liam Delap has sparked attention with 12 league goals and two assists in a turbulent debut Premier League season—his tally making him Ipswich’s top scorer amid relegation.
Chelsea have quietly positioned themselves at the front of the queue. From early February reports, the Blues have been steadily increasing their interest, aiming to edge out rivals Manchester United and Liverpool for Delap’s signature as per footballtransfers.com reports.
In fact, multiple sources confirm that Chelsea and United have engaged in talks with Delap.
Chelsea remain confident they hold the upper hand as reported by caughtoffside.com. Their manager, Enzo Maresca, knows Delap well from Manchester City days—an advantage the Blues are believed to cherish.
The catch? Delap’s release clause drops to approximately £30m following Ipswich’s relegation—but the rumoured valuation earlier in the window was near £40m based on the caughtoffside.com reports. Chelsea view that as a bargain, with a player primed for growth.
Delap reportedly favours Chelsea over United, drawn by Champions League football and a project built around young talent.
Manchester United’s lack of European qualification is seen as a misstep in their pursuit.
Now, the final stretch.
Ipswich have accepted his departure is coming. Chelsea only need to formalize personal terms. The deal feels inevitable—as early as only weeks away.
This signing is more than a forward—it’s strategy. An upgrade on Nicolas Jackson.
A homegrown English target. A low-risk, high-upside spark to ignite Chelsea’s attack as they rebuild.