Liam Delap Transfer to Chelsea Latest Spells Bad News for Man United: ‘Scuppered’
Chelsea are in pole position to sign highly-rated young striker Liam Delap, according to reports. The 22-year-old has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, but it seems that Chelsea may be the destination of choice for the England Under-21 international.
According to Football Insider 247, Delap has attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both desperate for a new number nine. Enzo Maresca’s side were left without a recognised striker for their top-five decider against Nottingham Forest, after Nicolas Jackson got sent off against Newcastle.
Chelsea have been struggling in the forward position this season, with neither Jackson nor Christopher Nkunku meeting expectations. This has led to speculation that the Blues will sign a new centre-forward this summer. As Football Insider 247 reports, Delap has been one of the shining lights in a poor Ipswich team this season, scoring 12 goals and picking up two assists as the Tractor Boys were relegated back to the Championship.
Manchester United are also in the market for a new striker, with Rasmus Hojlund set to leave Old Trafford after a dismal campaign, in which he only managed four league goals. Ruben Amorim’s whole system is geared towards creating chances for a lone striker, so the Portuguese manager will be eager to get a goalscorer through the door. However, it seems that Chelsea may have the upper hand in the race for Delap’s signature.
Speaking live on air, talkSPORT football correspondent Alex Crook revealed that Delap may choose Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford, saying: “His release clause is £30million. My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United, but he does want to play in the Champions League, so I wonder if that may have scuppered United now. The noises I’m hearing are more that he will end up at Chelsea, we’re expecting a decision from him (Delap) by the end of the week,” as reported by Football Insider 247.
Delap must prioritise playing time, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea or Manchester United can offer him the regular football he needs to continue his development. As Football Insider 247 notes, there is no use making a big money move if he is not going to play, and the striker has to go to a club where he is going to be the first-choice number nine.
Of course, there is no reason why Delap can’t do that at both Chelsea and Man United, with both sides having so much trouble in forward positions. However, the pressure and media scrutiny he will be under at those clubs is enormous. Delap is perhaps better off going somewhere like Everton, who will likely get rid of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer, and protect himself from the toxic environments at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.
Whatever the youngster decides to do, as long as he continues to work hard and score goals, then he will be a success. As Football Insider 247 reports, the 22-year-old has also been linked with Everton and Newcastle, as well as both Chelsea and Man United, in what is becoming a fierce race for the Englishman’s signature.
The source also states that it’s clear that Delap has his pick of teams, but the England Under-21 international must make the right decision for the good of his career. As reported by Football Insider 247, Delap’s Premier League stats for the 2024/25 season are impressive, and it will be interesting to see which club he chooses to join this summer.
For more information on this story and other football news, visit Football Insider 247.
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