Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap is preferring a move to Manchester United over Chelsea, as per emerging reports. The 22-year-old forward tallied 12 Premier League goals this season as Ipswich got relegated. However, he has a £30m release clause that the two teams are considering exercising.
Former Manchester City youngster Delap is said to be eager to return to the north west. He is more drawn to United’s role and chances of regular first-team football. His choice may be swayed by their performance in next Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham on May 21. A win would secure Champions League qualification, making the club more attractive.
Manchester United’s attacking need is understandably urgent. In this campaign, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have scored just seven league goals combined. This suggests that Delap could make an immediate contribution. Delap’s impressive campaign has also seen him become an important player for England’s Under-21 team in the upcoming European Championship against the Czech Republic.
Chelsea remain interested and still have a chance to sign Delap. He notably played under Enzo Maresca while the manager was still a member of staff at Manchester City.
Chelsea’s Push to Sign a Striker Hinges on Champions League Qualification
Chelsea’s chances of signing a new striker this summer rest on qualifying for the Champions League. They have identified three young forward players: Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap, and Hugo Ekitike.
Now sixth in the Premier League, Chelsea’s recent 2-0 defeat to Newcastle has put their top-five aspirations under threat. Major games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are looming ahead, and any dropped points could remove their Champions League hopes.
Of Chelsea’s options, Liam Delap has an active release option of £30 million via Ipswich’s relegation. Though Chelsea are interested, Delap is said to have a choice for Manchester United. Benjamin Sesko, currently at RB Leipzig, offers a pricier alternative with an €80 million release clause. Hugo Ekitike, loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt by Paris Saint-Germain, is worth approximately €100 million.
Both are targets for European powerhouse clubs, and Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League will then make all the difference in the negotiations. Also, missing out on Champions League football would severely dent their transfer budget, as it could lead to revenue losses.