"I’m very happy he’s going to be joining us" - Reece James reacts as Chelsea complete signing of 22-year-old star

Chelsea right-back Reece James is excited at the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The 22-year-old has arrived at Stamford Bridge on a reported £30 million move this summer.

Delap was one of the rare bright spots for an Ipswich side in a dismal 2024-25 season as they went straight back down to the Championship, finishing 19th after getting promoted from the second tier the previous campaign.

With the Tractor Boys getting relegated, Delap became available for just £30 million, and the Blues beat Manchester United for his signature. Ahead of England's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday (June 6), James said (as per Metro) about the new Blues striker:

"He’s had a great season at Ipswich and I’m very happy he’s going to be joining us for next season. He’s a great player, and I’m delighted he’s with us."

Speaking to the club's website (via Metro) after his signing was confirmed, Delap explained why he chose to arrive at the Blues:

"The most important thing for me last summer was going somewhere where I could play a lot of minutes. That was the opportunity I felt I needed, to go and express myself and show the player I am. Ipswich gave me that opportunity, which was so important, and I’m very grateful for that.

"Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years. I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that."

James concluded:

"The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective."

James, meanwhile, helped the Blues to the UEFA Europa Conference League title last season and fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea reportedly face Manchester United competition for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez

Chelsea have reportedly submitted a €75 million bid for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. However, they face competition from their domestic rivals Manchester United for the Spaniard's signature, as per SPORT (via teamTALK).

Lopez, 22, was a key player for Hansi Flick's domestic treble-winning side last season, registering 18 goal contributions (eight goals, 10 assists) in 46 games across competitions.

However, the Chelsea target is contracted to Camp Nou till 2029 and is expected to be a key part of the club's young core alongwith teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Raphinha.

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Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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