Liam Delap (22, Ipswich Town) is heading to Chelsea instead of Manchester United.

European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano noted on the 30th (Korea time) through his social media that "Delap is going to Chelsea! A contract will be signed activating a £30 million (approximately 55.8 billion won) buyout clause."

He added, "Manchester City will not use the buyback clause. Delap has already accepted Chelsea's project. A long-term contract, the influence of manager Enzo Maresca, and UEFA Champions League (UCL) football are key factors. Delap is expected to join Chelsea," exclaiming his signature phrase, "Here we go!"

Born in 2003, Delap is a forward from England. He is the son of 'the human catapult' Rory Delap, who previously played for Stoke City, and he garnered attention while growing up in the Manchester City youth team. Delap made his professional debut in the 2020-2021 season wearing a Manchester City jersey, but he struggled to find playing opportunities among several star players.

Delap gained experience through loans. In the first half of the 2022-2023 season, he played for Stoke in the Championship (second division), and in the second half, he performed at Preston North End. Last season, he made an impression scoring 8 goals in 31 league matches for Hull City.

Nevertheless, there was no place for Delap to play at Manchester City. Although Julián Álvarez left for Atlético Madrid, Erling Haaland remained strong in the forefront.

Ultimately, Delap chose to leave Manchester City, accepting the call from newly promoted Ipswich in the Premier League. He rather spread his wings on the Premier League stage. Although he could not prevent the team's relegation, he proved his talent with 12 goals and 2 assists in 37 league matches.

As Ipswich fell back to the second division, interest in Delap surged. The contract condition, which stated a £30 million buyout clause would arise if the team was relegated, made the transfer much easier.

As a result, several big clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham, kept an eye on Delap, who is needed as an attacking reinforcement. There were rumors that his former team, Manchester City, could recruit him using a buyback clause, but it ultimately did not materialize. City re-signed Haaland for 10 years this season and acquired Omar Marmoush last January, so they did not pursue Delap's re-signing.

Delap chose Chelsea among several offers. Initially, he seemed closest to a transfer to Manchester United, and there were reports that personal agreements had been reached.

However, the situation changed. Manchester United finished as runners-up after losing to Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League final, and their qualification for next season's UCL was also canceled. In contrast, Chelsea secured the fourth spot in the Premier League through fierce competition, obtaining a UCL ticket, and even won the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ultimately, Delap also changed his mind. It is said that his connection with manager Maresca, who was a mentor during his youth days at City, influenced his decision to join Chelsea. Now, Delap is expected to compete as a striker with Nicolás Jackson starting next season.

Manchester City will also share in the revenue from Delap's transfer. It is known that they will receive 20% of the revenue generated by Ipswich. A year ago, Ipswich paid £20 million to Manchester City to acquire Delap, and this buyout transfer fee is £30 million, meaning Manchester City will receive £2 million (approximately 3.7 billion won).

[Photo] Fabrizio Romano, Live Score, 365 Scores social media.

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