Liam Delap Transfer Race Heats Up: Chelsea and Man Utd Among Top Suitors for Ipswich Star

With Ipswich facing relegation, 22-year-old striker Liam Delap has become one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League, with Chelsea, Manchester United, and more than half the league monitoring his £30m buyout clause.

Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
10 Apr
9:04
Gossip

The1905.Club Summary

Liam Delap’s impressive season with Ipswich Town — scoring 12 goals in a relegation-threatened side — has sparked a transfer frenzy among top clubs. With a buyout clause set to activate upon Ipswich’s likely relegation, Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are leading the charge for the 22-year-old forward.

Chelsea’s connections through Joe Shields and Enzo Maresca, both former colleagues, give them an edge, while United's Jason Wilcox, who helped sign Delap for Man City’s academy, is keen to bring him to Old Trafford. Bayern Munich and Milan are also showing interest, and clubs across Europe admire his physicality, technical skill, and impressive xG overperformance. Despite interest from nearly every major English club, Delap's future will hinge on more than just transfer fees — with playing time, European football, and salary all part of the equation.

Key Points

  • Chelsea & Man Utd frontrunners: Both clubs are strongly interested, with deep existing links to Delap.
  • £30m release clause: Activated if Ipswich are relegated — a near certainty with 12 points to safety.
  • Delap’s 2025 stats: 12 Premier League goals and one of the highest xG overperformances among strikers.
  • City buyback clause: Manchester City can re-sign him for £40m but are unlikely to act.
  • Wide interest: Over half the Premier League clubs are monitoring his availability, as are Bayern Munich and AC Milan.
  • Style of play: Physical, fast, versatile striker who presses hard and creates space even when not scoring.
  • England future: Has represented England at every youth level; senior call-up expected soon.
  • Ipswich’s reality: Manager Kieran McKenna rates him highly but acknowledges relegation is almost inevitable.

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Written by 
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
Co-founder of The1905Club. A life long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder for over twenty years. Now residing in Poland, this doesn't stop Tosh from watching every minute of every game.
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