Chelsea Close in on Signing Ipswich Town Striker Liam Delap After Europa Conference League Triumph
Chelsea Football Club is on the verge of completing the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, following a thrilling 4-1 comeback win over Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old forward was spotted at London Stansted Airport on Thursday evening, where he posed for a photo with a Chelsea supporter—further fuelling speculation that his move to Stamford Bridge is imminent.
Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Delap is scheduled to undergo his medical and sign for Chelsea, with official confirmation expected within the next 24 hours. This marks another strategic addition by the club’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, as he looks to reshape his squad for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the Conference League win, Maresca has maintained a grounded outlook, stating that Chelsea’s ambitions next season are not yet aimed at Champions League glory but rather focused on building consistency and long-term competitiveness.
Wednesday night’s victory saw Chelsea come from behind at half-time, thanks largely to Cole Palmer’s second-half brilliance, which included two vital assists that turned the game around. The emphatic win served as a morale boost for fans, but the club’s work behind the scenes to strengthen the squad has quickly taken the spotlight.
Liam Delap, who enjoyed a breakout season at Ipswich and has also featured prominently for England’s U21 team, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young forwards. While it remains unclear whether his presence at the airport was connected to his UEFA Euro U21 Championship commitments, the timing and context strongly point to progress in his move to Chelsea.
Fans on social media have already begun celebrating, with the image of Delap at the airport circulating widely and being cited as a key sign that the deal is all but done.
As Chelsea prepare for a new era under Maresca, Delap’s potential arrival is seen as a forward-looking investment, combining youth with a proven goal-scoring record. With the summer transfer window heating up, the Blues appear determined to blend emerging talent with experienced depth as they chart their course back to the top of English and European football.