Chelsea have completed the signing of Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town as they beat Manchester United to the striker's transfer.
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Chelsea complete Delap signingBeat Man Utd in transfer racePaid £30m in transfer raceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues have won the transfer battle for upcoming English No.9 Delap, signing him from Ipswich on a six-year deal, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The official statement from the club read: "Chelsea is delighted to announce the transfer of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, with the striker signing a contract until 2031."
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The west London side have agreed to trigger the £30 million ($40m) release clause in Delap's contract and will pay £20m of the fee up front. The Tractor Boys will also hold a sell-on clause as part of the agreed deal, according to .
WHAT LIAM DELAP SAID
After signing for the Premier League giants, Delap told the club's official website: "It’s a lifetime of graft. Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football. I never wanted to do anything else, and I’ve given everything I could to make it happen. It’s such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I’ve always enjoyed it. I just love football; I’d be playing with my mates if I wasn’t a professional. Fortunately, I’m alright at it – and I’m delighted that graft has worked out and I’m here now at Chelsea."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Delap is likely to be part of Enzo Maresca's travelling squad that will jet off to the US later this month to take part in the Club World Cup. The Blues take on LAFC in their tournament opener on June 16.
