Liam Delap looks set to leave Ipswich after a sensational season at the already-relegated club.
Over half the teams in the Premier League are vying to grab Delap’s signature. His reported £30 relegation release clause looks like a bargain so far.
Here are the 10 teams most likely to sign the Englishman by the end of the summer transfer window.
| Clib | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 9/4 | bet365 |
| Chelsea | 7/2 | BetVictor |
| Ipswich Town | 7/1 | bet365 |
| Newcastle United | 8/1 | BetVictor |
| Nottingham Forest | 8/1 | BetVictor |
| Manchester City | 10/1 | BetVictor |
| Arsenal | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Liverpool | 14/1 | BetVictor |
| West Ham United | 16/1 | bet365 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 20/1 | bet365 |
Manchester United’s Savour?
United have become the favourites to sign the young Englishman, with reports stating that Man United intend to trigger the release clauses of both Delap and Cunha.
It’s been a truly dreadful season for United; their latest striker signings, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, cost an estimated £92.5 million and have scored less than Delap combined.
Delap is proven in the Premier League and could do well with the creativity of Bruno Fernandes behind him. But surely, Delap will want something more than a mid-table fallen giant.
If United can win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, Delap’s head may turn, so this could be a good punt.
Adding to Chelsea’s Collection
Chelsea definitely has the funds to buy the striker, and they are in search of a proven Premier League striker to bolster their attack.
Chelsea has already spent 185 million on strikers across two seasons. The players they have bought have been unimpressive, and their top scoring striker is Nicolas Jackson with 9, one less than Delap.
Manager Enzo Maresca was the manager of Man City’s development squad, so he’s coached Delap before. That could sway Delap towards Stamford Bridge.
The only issue would be playing time; with so many players available, Delap may struggle for game time if he isn’t an instant success.
Man City Clauses
Man City have a £40 million buy-back clause, but are unlikely to trigger it given their strength up front.
They do have a 20% sell-on clause over £20 million. So if Ipswich do sell Liam for over £20 million, then Man City will get 20%. Pretty good business from the shrewd Citizens.
Bonus Value Bet: Everton
Everton are priced at 9/1 at bet365 but are priced at 25/1 at BetVictor. Is one of the bookies missing something here?
Everton are in the hunt for a new striker with Dominic Calvert-Lewin being both underwhelming and out of contract this summer. Beto has been decent but is definitely a downgrade compared to Delap.
Would Delap want to go to Everton? The upside is that he’ll likely slot right into the first 11 and possibly be the star man once again, but with a team that will stay in the division.
Delap will also fit very well into David Moyes’ system, but he might already be too good for the Toffees. The tall odds are there for a reason.
A Bit About Liam Delap
Son of cult hero Rory Delap, Liam joined Derby at the age of 6 and spent 10 years there before joining the brilliant Man City academy.
He made two appearances for City before being loaned out to Stoke and Preston North End for the first and second halves of the 22/23 season, respectively. Delap was sent on loan again, for a full season to Hull, and was then sold to Ipswich for £20 million.
Delap has also represented England’s youth national team at every level, making 37 appearances and scoring 14 goals across all levels. Delap was also part of the squad which won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.