Chelsea have reached a full agreement to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the Blues set to trigger the 22-year-old’s £30 million release clause, according to highly respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), confirming:

“BREAKING: Liam Delap to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place as £30m release clause will be triggered.
Manchester City will not use buy back clause and Delap has already accepted Chelsea project.
Long term deal, Maresca’s impact + UCL football key. Delap will join Chelsea.”

Delap, who played a key role for Ipswich last season, is no stranger to Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, having worked under him at Manchester City’s youth setup. His decision to join Chelsea is said to have been influenced by the opportunity to reunite with Maresca, alongside the prospect of Champions League football.

Chelsea’s recruitment team continue their strategy of investing in young, high-potential players, and Delap’s arrival signals serious intent to bolster the squad’s attacking options ahead of the new season — which will include a trip to the Club World Cup in the United States in June.

Welcome to the Bridge, Liam Delap! 💙