On Wednesday, Chelsea beat off Premier League rivals to acquire English striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for an estimated £30 million ($41 million).
The 22-year-old failed to stop Ipswich’s instant relegation back to the Championship despite scoring 12 Premier League goals in his one season at Portman Road.
Chelsea won the battle for the former Manchester City forward, but it was also believed that Manchester United and Everton were prepared to activate the buyout provision in the England under-21 international contract. In advance of the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts later this month, the addition expands Chelsea’s attacking possibilities.
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap said in a Chelsea statement after signing a six-year contract.
“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.”
After a two-year break, Chelsea returned to the Champions League last season after finishing fourth in the Premier League. They defeated Real Betis 4-1 last week to win the Conference League title under manager Enzo Maresca.
Even though the season ended well, Chelsea had trouble finding a reliable goal scorer. Christopher Nkunku is anticipated to leave after a lackluster two-year stint, while Senegal international Nicolas Jackson scored ten goals in thirty league games.
Under Pep Guardiola, Delap, the son of former Stoke City player Rory Delap, started his career at Manchester City but had few opportunities in the first team. After being promoted to the Premier League, Ipswich signed him in a deal for up to £20 million after loan stints at Stoke, Preston, and Hull.
Son of former Stoke City footballer Rory Delap, Delap started his career at Manchester City but struggled to get into the first team under Pep Guardiola. He played on loan at Stoke, Preston, and Hull before joining Ipswich in a move for up to £20 million following their Premier League promotion last year.
Despite Ipswich’s relegation with only 22 points, Delap was one of the few positive aspects of a difficult season.
Chelsea will begin the Club World Cup group stages on June 14 against Flamengo, LAFC, and ES Tunis.