Liam Delap in action for Ipswich Town. (Getty Images)
Chelsea ended their 2024/25 campaign on a high, putting a difficult start behind them to secure European silverware and a return to the Champions League in a dramatic final week of the season.
After finishing sixth in the Premier League, the Blues confirmed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a final-day 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
That momentum carried into the midweek UEFA Europa Conference League final, where Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 and claim their first title in the competition.
The win means Chelsea have now completed the full set of UEFA’s major trophies—having already won both the Champions League and Europa League on multiple occasions. In Poland, it was a late surge that secured the result, with Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo all getting on the scoresheet in the final 25 minutes.
Much of the attacking impetus this season has come from Cole Palmer, who finished his second full campaign at Stamford Bridge with 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, emerging as a key creative outlet for the team.
Now, Chelsea appear to be looking to build on their strong finish by strengthening their attacking line further.
Chelsea Nearing Deal for Liam Delap
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club are in advanced talks over a potential move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
While no agreement has yet been reached, Romano reports that Chelsea are considering triggering the 22-year-old’s £30 million release clause, with discussions progressing well between all parties.
Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals this season despite Ipswich’s relegation, previously worked under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca during their time together at Manchester City. The Italian is said to be a long-time admirer of the striker’s all-round game and goal-scoring instincts.
Speaking earlier this season, Maresca said of Delap: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age. I think we spent one year together, and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker. England have many good players, many good strikers, [but] he’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game, and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.”
Chelsea are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as they continue to reshape the squad under Maresca ahead of another busy European campaign.
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