LONDON (AP) — Chelsea signed striker Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich on Wednesday in time to play at the Club World Cup after activating his release clause of 30 million pounds ($40 million).
Chelsea used the opening of a special trading window from June 1-10 to add a center forward to its squad, with the 22-year-old Delap set to provide competition for first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson.
He signed a six-year contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031.
Delap scored 12 league goals — representing one-third of Ipswich’s topflight total last season — and joins a resurgent Chelsea team that finished fourth in the Premier League and won the third-tier Conference League title under manager Enzo Maresca.
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap told club media. “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.”
Chelsea's first group-stage match at the Club World Cup, being held in the United States, is against Mexican club Leon on June 16 in Atlanta.
Delap, who left Manchester City to join Ipswich in last year’s offseason, was also reportedly interesting Manchester United.
He joined City's youth academy in 2019 and played on the club's elite development squad under Maresca, who was then a member of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff.
Chelsea’s American ownership group has spent heavily on players — with a particular focus on those in their early 20s — since buying out Roman Abramovich in 2022.
Delap has played for England through the youth levels but not yet for the senior team.
He was named on England’s team for the Under-21 European Championship taking place this month in Slovakia. The final roster is expected Friday.
Delap is also eligible to play for Ireland. His father, English-born Rory Delap, represented Ireland.
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The Associated Press
