While the focus at Chelsea this week has been on the Conference League final, the transfer speculation linking Liam Delap with a move to West London has rapidly intensified.
The Blues beat Real Betis on Wednesday night to win the Conference League, which came just days after they secured fourth spot in the Premier League.
It’s been a really positive end to the 2024/25 campaign for Enzo Maresca’s side, so supporters may be optimistic of a busy summer. Incidentally, Chelsea are targeting four key signings in the upcoming transfer window to boost the squad.
Ipswich Town and England Under-21 striker Liam Delap has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic reports on Thursday that Delap’s preference is to join Chelsea this summer, with his alternative suitors now being informed of his decision. Apparently, the centre-forward will join the Blues subject to an agreement on personal terms and the requirements of his £30m release clause being met.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano further reports on X that Chelsea are prepared to wrap up the Delap transfer imminently.
Chelsea fans excited by potential Liam Delap connection with Cole Palmer
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media are excited about transfer rumours that Delap could soon be joining them.
In particular, Blues fans on X believe that the 22-year-old striker could combine superbly well with Cole Palmer.
One fan wrote: “Delap x Palmer reuniting at Stamford Bridge next season, can’t wait.”
“Delap and Palmer would fit like a glove,” another commented.
One supporter posted: “I’m gassed about Palmer x Delap.”
“Palmer with Delap, wow,” another said.
Finally, one fan claimed: “Palmer is so good that he’ll turn Delap into a superstar.”
If Delap to Chelsea happens, it will be a huge step for the player. However, he was a shining light in an Ipswich side relegated from the Premier League this season, scoring 12 top-flight goals. Also, he’ll be joining several familiar faces.
Delap and Palmer have previously linked up together in Manchester City’s academy, where they also shared the dressing room with Romeo Lavia. In fact, Maresca was the Under-23s manager for a spell.
Chelsea believe Delap can emulate Palmer and develop into a huge star with them.
If Delap is to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, it would be very helpful to rekindle his partnership with creative playmaker Palmer on the football pitch. In fairness, the latter’s delivery is so exceptional that he’s a striker’s dream.
Earlier in May, Delap raved about Palmer by describing him as one of the best players in the world. It’s fascinating that they could soon be reunited and lining up in the same starting line-up at Chelsea.
Michail Antonio suggests Liam Delap for Chelsea
According to West Ham’s Michail Antonio, Chelsea target Delap would be a great fit for the Blues next season.
When asked about strikers Chelsea should sign, Antonio told TNT Sports: “If not [Alexander] Isak, I would go Delap. He’s big. He’s strong. He knows where the goal is. He is an old-school number nine. I feel like the amount of goals he got for Ipswich, if he was at a bigger club, he would probably get double it.”
Darren Bent’s prediction on Delap is that he would be able to push Nicolas Jackson for the starting striker position at Chelsea, but he does fear it would be too big a jump at once in his career.
It certainly sounds like Blues supporters are ready to get behind Delap from day one if he arrives.
