Blues striker Liam Delap’s £30 million move to Chelsea has been confirmed, the frontman having signed a six-year deal.
The West Londoners triggered the relegation release clause in the 22-year-old’s contract last week, the frontman having held talks with a number of interested parties during the final weeks of the season, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton among them.
He underwent a medical earlier this week having agreed personal terms at Stamford Bridge, which always appeared his most likely destination.
We understand Town will receive £20 million of the £30 million fee - a new club record - up front, while Delap’s former club Manchester City are due 20 per cent of the profit the Blues made on the sum they paid following the England U21 international’s move last summer.
That figure, which was initially £15 million, is understood to have nudged to around the £18 million mark with add-ons triggered over the course of the season. Town in turn will get a percentage of a future Chelsea sale.
"I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” he told the Chelsea club site.
"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.”
On Town, he said: "I want to say a big thank-you to everyone at Ipswich Town for everything they have done for me during my time at the club.
"We didn't achieve our ultimate goal but the welcome I received and the ongoing support the manager, his staff and the supporters gave the players meant it was the perfect environment for me to play regular Premier League football for the first time in my career.
"There is so much for the club to be excited about for the guture and I’m confident it won't be long before Ipswich Town is backin the Premier League again. I’ll be supporting from afar. I'll never forget my time at the club. Thank you for everything.”
https://x.com/ChelseaFC/status/1930354625242370455
One-time Derby County academy youngster Delap made 32 starts and eight sub appearances in his one campaign with the club, scoring 12 times.
The Winchester-born frontman previously worked with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca during his spell as U21s manager at Manchester City where he came through the ranks alongside Cole Palmer.
We understand talks with Chelsea regarding the loan of Marc Guiu in a separate deal remain ongoing.