Chelsea Front-Runners to Sign Ipswich’s Liam Delap
Chelsea Close In on Ipswich Striker Liam Delap as Top Transfer Target
Chelsea are now in pole position to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old reportedly favouring a move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from several other Premier League clubs.
Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest had all expressed strong interest in Delap, who has a £30 million release clause in his contract.
His former club, Manchester City, also retain a buy-back option, adding further intrigue to the transfer race.
Delap, who joined Ipswich from City in a deal worth up to £20 million last summer, was recently granted permission to hold talks with interested clubs.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna confirmed the development, saying, “Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which he is entitled to do, and we support him with that.”
Sources now indicate that Chelsea is Delap’s preferred destination.
The Blues, who recently lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy and secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, offer the striker a chance to return to European competition — he previously made a single Champions League appearance for Manchester City in 2022.
Delap impressed in his first full Premier League season with Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in 32 starts, though the club was ultimately relegated after finishing 19th.
Ipswich are already planning for life without their star forward and are reportedly interested in taking Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on loan as a replacement.
The 18-year-old Spaniard netted six goals in 14 appearances this season but missed most of 2025 due to a muscular injury.
He made his return as a late substitute in Chelsea’s Conference League final victory.
Chelsea Front-Runners to Sign Ipswich’s Liam Delap