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Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United have lost the race for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who now has an agreement in place to join Chelsea.
Signing a striker is a priority for United ahead of the summer transfer window and Delap was identified as the club’s first-choice target.
Despite Ipswich’s relegation, Delap enjoyed a superb individual campaign, netting 12 Premier League goals. His goals and assists earned half of the Tractor Boys’ points in the just-concluded 2024/25 campaign.
But United were not the only club chasing Delap. He was also strongly linked to Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle.
Last night, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Chelsea were growing optimistic of warding off competition to land the England youth international.
David Ornstein of The Athletic subsequently relayed that United and other suitors were informed that Delap had chosen to sign for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Romano has now confirmed that Chelsea reached a full agreement to complete a transfer for the 22-year-old.
The Italian journalist wrote on X, “Liam Delap to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place as £30m release clause will be triggered.”
“Manchester City will not use buy back clause and Delap has already accepted Chelsea project.”
“Long term deal, Maresca’s impact + UCL football key. Delap will join Chelsea.”
🚨🔵 BREAKING: Liam Delap to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place as £30m release clause will be triggered.
Manchester City will not use buy back clause and Delap has already accepted Chelsea project.
Long term deal, Maresca’s impact + UCL football key. Delap will join #CFC. pic.twitter.com/LmgmfQE8Su
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
Romano added in another post, “Liam Delap will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours as Ipswich Town has now authorized medical tests.”
“Man City will get 30% of the deal as they had sell-on clause included in agreement with Ipswich Town.”
🚨🆕 Liam Delap will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours as Ipswich Town has now authorized medical tests.
Man City will get 30% of the deal as they had sell-on clause included in agreement with Ipswich Town.
Buy back clause won’t be activated, Delap will join #CFC. pic.twitter.com/SJKNUJfuPu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
It appears that United will now have to look elsewhere in their search for a goalscorer. Other strikers mentioned to be on the Red Devils’ radar include Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) and Jean-Phillippe Mateta (Crystal Palace).
Feature image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
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