Liam Delap will lead the line for Chelsea next season Chelsea have secured the services of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich, activating his £30million release clause and signing him until 2031. The deal for the England under-21 international was concluded last week, making him the Blues' first acquisition of the summer, with FIFA's 10-day June transfer window allowing for his immediate integration. This will enable Delap to be involved in Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in the United States, although his participation would mean missing out on the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.
Speaking to the club's official website, the 22-year-old expressed his excitement: "I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "It's going to be an incredible place for me to develop and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective." Manchester United also showed interest in Delap, but their absence from European football next season influenced his decision to choose a future in west London. Under Enzo Maresca, who will see the Blues compete in the Champions League after a fourth-place finish, Delap reunites with the Italian coach having previously worked together both at Manchester City's under-23 level and with the senior squad when Maresca assisted Pep Guardiola.
Delap has only made six first-team appearances for City, scoring once, before going on loan to Stoke, Preston and Hull. Liam Delap has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea Trending SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
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