Chelsea have completed the £30m signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

The 22-year-old has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

Chelsea have paid Delap’s £30m release clause, which was activated following Ipswich’s Premier League relegation, with the Blues beating off interest from Manchester United and Newcastle.

Chelsea are due to pay £20m up front, with the rest in instalments, while Ipswich have also inserted a sell-on clause in the deal.

The England U21 international told Chelsea’s official website: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.

“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.”

He added: “Growing up watching this club and how incredible it has been over the years, I wanted to come here to win trophies.

His move enables him to take part in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, with Delap potentially making his Chelsea debut against LAFC on June 16.

Delap becomes Chelsea’s second summer signing after the arrival of midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting Lisbon.

The west Londoners are set for more activity in the weeks ahead, with Chelsea interested in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Delap: Time for a new challenge

Delap scored 12 goals in 37 matches for Ipswich in his first Premier League season, despite Kieran McKenna’s side being relegated back to the Championship.

Chelsea moved quickly to sign Delap after their season ended with a UEFA Conference League final win over Real Betis. Their fourth-placed finish in the Premier League has earned them Champions League football next season.

Delap took to social media to say goodbye to Ipswich, admitting it was time for a “new challenge”.

He said on his Instagram story: “Thank you for everything, Ipswich Town.

“The team, manager, staff & club have been incredible from the moment I arrived.To the fans, I appreciate the support you gave me week in week out, from the stands at home and on the road.

Source: Sky Sports