Liam Delap's medical examination at Chelsea scheduled for Monday – With Delap standing on the brink of £30m transfer to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea set to secure £30 million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich
Following Ipswich Town's relegation from the Premier League, Chelsea appear poised to sign one of the top scorers in the 2024-25 campaign. Liam Delap, who netted 12 goals in 37 appearances for the relegated side, is reportedly set to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
The 22-year-old striker emerged as a shining light in Ipswich's return to the top flight, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs. It is believed that Enzo Maresca's side have won the race for Delap's signature, having triggered his £30 million release clause.
Delap's prolific form caught the attention of several English top-flight teams, but Mail Sport revealed earlier this week that Chelsea are his preferred destination. There are reports suggesting that discussions on personal terms are progressing well, with Delap impressed by Chelsea's style of play and his connections to current players and staff.
Delap moved to Portman Road from Manchester City last summer in a deal worth £20 million. Prior to joining Ipswich, Delap made six first-team appearances for City and spent consecutive Championship loan spells with Preston, Stoke, and Hull.
Chelsea's acquisition of Delap is seen as a statement of intent as they prepare for the 2025-26 season under Maresca. Intriguingly, the Blues may not stop at one high-profile forward signing, as recent reports suggest they have their sights set on Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike as well.
According to German media, Chelsea are still pushing to sign Ekitike, although they face competition from other clubs, including Liverpool, with whom reported talks have taken place. The French striker has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games this season, having joined Frankfurt after winning the Europa Conference League with Maresca at the helm.
If Chelsea succeed in acquiring Ekitike, they would own him for a staggering €100 million (£84m), according to Frankfurt's valuation. The Chelsea board is eager to strengthen their attacking options, with Liam Delap and possibly another big-name signing set to invigorate Maresca's squad ahead of the new season.
Liam Delap, having netted impressive scores in the 2024-25 season with Ipswich, is reportedly set to join Chelsea, who are poised to trigger his £30 million release clause following Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League. Additionally, German media reports suggest that Chelsea are still pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, with negotiations ongoing, as they aim to further reinforce their attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season.
