The 21-year-old is thriving in the Premier League and has already caught the attention of some big-hitters – but what should be his next move?
Liam Delap has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water; after two solid, if unspectacular, seasons as a first-team player on loan in the Championship from Manchester City, the 21-year-old has made everyone sit up and take notice since joining Ipswich Town on a permanent basis upon their return to the top flight.
A bustling striker who combines finishing ability with dominant hold-up play, pace and technique in and around the box, Delap is on course for his best-ever goal-scoring season as a senior player despite this being his first as a regular starter in the Premier League.
Inevitably, his six goals, one assist and all-round play in a struggling Ipswich side have caught the attention of some of the division's elite, with scouts from the so-called 'Big Six' watching him in action of late with a view to a potential transfer. Supposedly valued at around £45 million ($54m), he can be a very shrewd signing for someone.
If he continues in his current vein he will have the pick of the bunch, but what is the logical next step for the young No.9? GOAL assesses his options…
Getty Images Sport8Manchester City
Sure, there would be something romantic about returning to the club where it all began, but Delap would have to be realistic about his first-team chances if he decided to re-sign for the club he only officially left in the summer. Maybe a City comeback is in his future, but at this crucial stage in his development, it would be a backwards step to be playing second fiddle to the most prolific striker on the planet in Erling Haaland.
However, City could still have a say in Delap's next move; they are reported to have included a buy-back option in his £20m ($25m) transfer to Ipswich in July, as well as a 20 percent sell-on clause.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport7Manchester United
Or could Delap opt for the red side of Manchester? It would be a slap in the face for his former club, but United are said to be among the striker's admirers.
The thing is, this is a move that would almost certainly necessitate United cutting their losses on current centre-forwards Rasmus Hojlund and/or Joshua Zirkzee, who are aged 21 and 23 respectively and cost the club a combined £100m ($127m) without add-ons.
Given the arrival of Ruben Amorim as head coach, it feels more likely that the Red Devils will go after his prolific ex-Sporting CP charge Viktor Gyokeres, who is set to be available for a cut price in the summer.
Getty Images Sport6Move abroad
Given the recent trend of English players heading overseas and having success in Europe, including big names like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Conor Gallagher, Delap might be tempted to try his luck away from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has previously revealed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, who played in most of the continent's top leagues, and his game would probably be well suited to the Bundesliga, where defences are known for giving strikers more time and space.
However, given he has grabbed the attention of the 'Big Six' in England, Delap will surely be keen to be a regular for an elite Premier League club before considering a switch overseas.
Getty Images Sport5Chelsea
Chelsea are predictably among the clubs believed to be actively interested in Delap, with the Blues developing a reputation for pursuing outstanding players under the age of 25 in recent years. Delap would obviously tick that box and could be the long-term solution to what has been a problem position at Stamford Bridge since Diego Costa departed in 2017, although in-form Nicolas Jackson might have something to say about that.
It's undeniable that Delap is cut from the same cloth as Costa and Didier Drogba, with his imposing 6'1 physique and aggressive approach belying his excellent technical ability. He has worked with Enzo Maresca before at City, too, and he may look to fellow City academy graduate Cole Palmer as proof that he can make the cut despite some fierce competition.
