Clubs who were hoping to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town have been informed that he is not moving to them. The England youth striker’s preference is to join Chelsea.
According to The Athletic, sources at Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, AC Milan and Juventus —say they are now aware of Delap’s intentions to head elsewhere.
With all parties agreeing on principle, and the requirements of Delap’s £30 million ($40m) release clause being met, the 22-year-old will move to Chelsea.
Delap joined Ipswich from Manchester City, where he made just six first-team appearances, in July 2024 in a deal worth an initial £15 million ($19.2m) and an additional £5m following their promotion to the English top-flight.
Despite Ipswich’s Premier League debacle and subsequent relegation, Delap enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League.
His 2022/23 and 23/24 season were nomadic, comprising sporadic loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City respectively, where he scored 12 times across 70 matches.
Why Delap is so coveted
Having scored 12 of Ipswich’s 36 league goals this season, Delap has often been responsible for generating his own chances with limited service from his team-mates.
Delap’s powerful runs were a highlight of his season as he shouldered much of the attacking responsibility with a return of 10 non-penalty goals. Whether it is a pinpoint finish from close range or delicate flicks at the near post, Delap is always in a rush to get on the scoresheet.
A desire to get forward is the bare minimum for a striker, but Delap is something of a throwback — an out-and-out striker who is desperate to stretch the opposition back line.
Why Delap chose Chelsea
Chelsea will be participating in next season’s Champions League, following the celebrations of their UEFA Conference League triumph on Wednesday night.Delap is one of the rising stars in English football, so his desire to play at Stamford Bridge is a testament as to what Chelsea are building.
Read: James relishes ‘great feeling’ of winning Conference League final over Betis
From Chelsea’s squad, only Cole Palmer (15), scored more Premier League goals than Delap’s 12, which is an impressive tally given it was his first year playing in England’s top flight and that Ipswich were one of the three worst teams in 2024-25.
Nicolas Jackson has been the only conventional senior No 9 available to Enzo Maresca this season, so Delap’s potential arrival would be an advantage.
Manchester United miss out
Delap was United’s first choice as centre-forward, so this leaves them in a vulnerable position. Getting a striker has been at the heart of United’s transfer window, given the issues the team have had scoring goals. The impending arrival of Matheus Cunha has eased the pressure somewhat but getting in a striker is still a high priority for United.
Viktor Gyokeres was also a target but the Sweden international wants Champions League football on his exit from Sporting CP. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has also been discussed but his wage demands have been seen as too excessive.
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford is a genuine option and perhaps United pivot to a different strategy, given
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