OFFICIAL: Chelsea confirm Liam Delap signing for £30m

Chelsea have just confirmed the signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap after triggering his release clause for £30m following the Tractor Boys’ relegation.

It was an intense battle to sign him, with multiple teams keen on him because of that relegation clause. At one point it really looked like Manchester United had beaten us. Signing Delap this soon allows him to play at the Club World Cup later this month.

Delap will have to adapt to thrive – but has the tools to do it

We wrote a little earlier today about how Delap could fit into Enzo Maresca’s system. The striker was playing in the team with the lowest possession in the league while at Ipswich, and now has to change his game up entirely to play for a team that likes to control and circulate the ball.

But there’s no reason to think he can’t do that – in fact he came through Man City’s youth ranks playing in a possession based system. It could in fact play to his strengths. Knowing Maresca from their shared time at City will certainly help the forward hit the group running, as will playing at the CWC.

Blues next move still up in the air as Ekitike interest develops

With Nicolas Jackson already on the books and a number of exciting young players at the club, it was widely expected that Chelsea would be happy with the one senior addition this summer. But the more we hear, the more likely it sounds that they Blues will push hard for another player who can help score goals and take some minutes in a busy season to come.

Hugo Ekitke currently looks to be top of the list, although his price tag certainly looks like a formidable obstacle.