Last updated on June 5, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Delap is now expected to join Chelsea’s squad for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.
Image credit:
B/R Football
Chelsea have completed the signing of England Under-21 striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal, beating strong competition from Manchester United.
The Blues activated Delap’s release clause following Ipswich’s relegation, and their qualification for the Champions League ultimately tipped the scales.
Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest were all in the hunt, but Chelsea’s project — alongside the chance to reunite with Cole Palmer — proved too appealing.
Delap, 22, had also drawn interest from his former club Manchester City, who opted not to trigger their buy-back clause.
After being given permission to speak with clubs earlier in May, Delap narrowed his options to United and Chelsea, choosing the London side after their final-day win secured a top-four finish.
🧩 Why Delap Chose Chelsea
Several factors influenced Delap’s decision:
- Champions League football in the 2025/26 season
- Familiar faces at Chelsea: Palmer, Sancho, Lavia, and Adarabioyo — all former City academy teammates
- Head coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Delap at City’s Elite Development Squad
- Direct personal pitch by Maresca and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali
Delap is now expected to join Chelsea’s squad for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup this summer, potentially skipping the European Under-21 Championship.
🧠 Smart Signing or Missed Opportunity?
Manchester United had viewed Delap as a strategic signing — a hungry, developing striker who could grow into a top-level player.
His profile matched that of Rasmus Højlund, who has yet to fully convince.
Now that Delap is off the table, United must reassess.
Options like Bryan Mbeumo and Jean-Philippe Mateta are available but come with downsides — Mbeumo will miss a month due to the Africa Cup of Nations, and Mateta turns 28 later this year.
