EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea go ‘all in’ for Liam Delap

Robin Bairner

27 Feb 2025 00:46 CST
3 min read

Chelsea will do everything they can to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in the summer, sources have told FootballTransfers.

The Blues’ need for a striker has been apparent in recent weeks. With Nicolas Jackson first out of form and then injured, Enzo Maresca has struggled to find a natural No.9 option, with Pedro Neto emerging as the best solution through the middle.

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STATS

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

26

Games
10

Goals
2

Assists

Chelsea’s form has collapsed over this period, with Cole Palmer’s goal drought further underlining the need for the Stamford Bridge side told find a goal-scoring solution.

Maresca has his eyes set on Delap, who is a player the manager loves, FootballTransfers has been informed.

Chelsea are ready to go “all in” for the 22-year-old forward, we have been told.

Delap has been enjoying an exceptional breakthrough campaign with Ipswich. In the Premier League, he has scored 10 goals in just 26 appearances for a side battling relegation.

One of his best performances of the season came on 30 December against Chelsea at Portman Road, where he both scored and assisted as Kieran McKenna’s outfit claimed a memorable 2-0 victory.

His form has led to interest from numerous top Premier League teams, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City just some of the teams involved in the race for the youngster, who has impressed with his physicality as well as his eye for goal.

Man City provide Delap threat

Maresca’s dream of signing Delap is hampered by a buy-back clause that Manchester City possess in the striker’s contract.

This is worth around €50 million (£40m), allowing Pep Guardiola’s side to buy their academy product back at that price either to use next season or to sell on at a profit.

Delap’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands somewhat short of that at €33m but giving the bidding war that could arise over the striker, it is very possible that he will depart for a significantly higher figure.

Chelsea certainly seem prepared to break the bank for the attacker.