Five Liam Delap transfer destinations with Man Utd and Chelsea keen

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Man Utd & Chelsea keen 

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In an underwhelming Premier League season, Liam Delap has been one of the standout performances. Although Ipswich are destined to be relegated back to the Championship after their promotion last season, Delap won’t be playing in the second-tier of English football. The 22-year-old has been a revelation for Ipswich and a throwback to a classic number nine in an era where there’s a scarcity of strikers.

Delap’s physicality allows him to bully opposition defenders and he’s enjoyed an excellent goal return with 12 goals in 30 Premier League games. Ipswich signed the England youth international from Manchester City for €17.85 million last season but they are in line for a significant profit. Delap, however, has a €34.5m relegation release clause in his contract and that represents an absolute bargain fee. Numerous Premier League clubs will battle for his signature this summer and we’ve analysed five potential destinations.

It’s been widely reported that Man United have identified Delap as their priority striker target this season. United’s problems in front of goal have been well-documented this season with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress. Delap would represent an affordable signing but there’s legitimate concerns that another young striker isn’t what Ruben Amorim needs.

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Delap and it makes perfect sense. The Blues famously target signing talented young players and the Ipswich striker certainly fits the bill. Chelsea also need to provide stronger competition to Nicolas Jackson with Christopher Nkunku destined to depart this summer. 

Liverpool could also be in the market for a striker this summer and Delap represents an interesting option. The Englishman isn’t a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s tactical approach but he could represent a good foil for Mohamed Salah. Darwin Núñez is likely to bring an end to his Anfield career and Delap could be his replacement.

In Alexander Isak, Newcastle have one of the best strikers in the world and his market value at Transfermarkt recently increased to €100m. There’s been constant speculation over Isak’s future but it would take an eye-watering bid for Newcastle to sanction the sale of their prized asset. Regardless of Isak’s future, Newcastle could move for Delap especially with Callum Wilson expected to depart.

Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker in January was arguably fatal to their title hopes in the league, although Mikel Arteta’s men remain in the Champions League. Kai Havertz divides opinion and Gabriel Jesus is injury-prone and inconsistent. Arsenal is an unlikely destination for Delap as Arteta is expected to move in a different direction but it could be a shrewd purchase.