Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is still conducting their ruthless team rebuild, with the club set to finish the signing of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap after activating his 30 million release clause. The action emphasizes Chelsea’s continuous plan to invest in brilliant young players as they try to seal a new age of persistent success under their new coach.
After a strong end to the season that saw the Blues lift the UEFA Conference League and secure a top-four Premier League finish, the focus has now turned to the transfer market. The Liam Delap transfer to Chelsea is expected to be just the first of several moves aimed at building a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
🚨 Chelsea strike total agreement with Ipswich Town to sign Liam Delap. #CFC to activate £30m release clause in 22yo striker’s #ITFC contract. Personal terms for England youth international still need to be completed – no problem anticipated @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Jx2eqFiJTE
Throughout his time at Ipswich, Delap has been appealing to several Premier League teams, including Newcastle United, West Ham and others. Chelsea claimed the victory in the competition by sending the striker to west London, having been informed of their vision for the future. Delap’s existing relationship with Maresca, from their shared time at Manchester City academy, also played a pivotal role in the decision. Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League and their evolving project under new ownership helped sway the striker’s decision as well.
Chelsea are not stopping with Delap. The club is aiming to make further signings across key areas. The Blues are monitoring multiple targets. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains on the radar but comes with a hefty price tag. Likewise, Chelsea admire Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though his £84 million valuation could prove prohibitive. Chelsea are also working closely with their sister club Strasbourg to secure a long-term pre-agreement for Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha, who could join in 2026.
To give Chelsea more tactical flexibility, the club is pursuing a right-handed winger who can play on their left flanks. It is doubtful that the Blues will activate their £25 million offer for Jadon Sancho, whose future remains uncertain. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are both under tracking, though Williams may prove too expensive with interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal.
🚨🔵 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
Chelsea are also evaluating defensive reinforcements. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is a candidate, valued for his versatility to play both centrally and at left-back. Injuries to Wesley Fofana and the potential sales of Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Axel Disasi could make space for new additions in the backline.
In midfield, reinforcements are already arriving. Portuguese talent Dário Essugo and returning loanee Andrey Santos will offer cover and dynamism. Meanwhile, Brazilian prodigy Willian Estêvão and Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Páez are set to arrive this summer, though both will require a transition period.
Despite a fourth-place finish and their Conference League win, Chelsea are not rushing their expectations. The board remains patient with Maresca, acknowledging that building a title-winning side from such a young squad will take time.
The club’s vision under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital is long-term. Their faith in Maresca is evident, and there’s no pressure to win the Premier League next season. Instead, the focus is on further Champions League progress, domestic cup runs, and consistent league performance.
The Liam Delap transfer to Chelsea marks another decisive step in the club’s long-term rebuild. With key targets identified across all areas and a clear strategic direction, Chelsea are shaping a team designed for sustainable success. As the summer window unfolds, expect more moves from a club determined to rise once again.
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