Gabby Agbonlahor and Liam Delap
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Thu 15 May 2025 17:40, UK
West Ham United must invest in a goalscoring striker if they are to swerve Premier League relegation next season.
Graham Potter’s side are the joint fifth-lowest scoring team in the top flight, along with Manchester United, with just 42 goals.
The Hammers are interested in signing Ipswich star Liam Delap, but they face competition from what feels like most of the division.
Liam Delap
Delap is a wanted man (Credit: Imago)
Delap advised to move to the London Stadium
Jarrod Bowen has continued to be a sensation in East London, chiming in with an impressive 11 league goals, despite those failing around him.
However, no striker has been able to make their mark for the Irons this season, and it is turning into a concerning issue.
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Michail Antonio has been absent following a serious car crash, while Niclas Fullkrug has had injury issues all season. Evan Ferguson was signed on loan in January but has failed to make an impact.
Thus, it seems natural that West Ham will turn to Delap to solve their woes in front of goal.
While the Hammers face stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature, Gabby Agbonlahor has advised the 22-year-old against moving to Old Trafford.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, he said (15 May, 07:09 am): “If I was him, mate, I wouldn’t be going there (Man United) at the moment.”
Alan Brazil replied: “No? Would you sit tight, would you, or?”
Agbonlahor said: “No, no, I wouldn’t stay at Ipswich, I’d go to like a West Ham, Al, go and prove yourself at a West Ham next step.”
Brazil was puzzled, saying: “Hold on a minute…”
Agbonlahor then finished: “Would you not? They need a striker. Ferguson will go back to Brighton, he’s only on loan, hasn’t worked out. They’re desperate for a striker.”
Fullkrug has three goals in all competitions (Credit: Imago)
West Ham would be a smart move for Delap
While Delap has interest from a host of clubs who have outperformed the Irons this season, they provide an appealing option.
Potter has a gaping hole in his forward line, and whoever comes in will be given an instant starting berth.
Delap has been in solid form for Ipswich Town, having bagged 12 goals in their return to the Premier League, despite relegation being confirmed.
Although a move to the likes of United or Chelsea will be appealing, it might be too much too soon for the forward, who needs natural progression.
West Ham offer the perfect next step in his career, and he can provide the London club with the goals they so badly need.
With a £30million release clause, a move for Delap is something the East London club must prioritise.
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