Ipswich Town’s success in 2025/26 could hinge on how efficiently Kieran McKenna replaces leading marksman Liam Delap, and EFL Analysis can reveal one fresh target on their radar.
Ipswich were hit with a large dose of reality in the Premier League, coming straight back down with Leicester City and Southampton in 19th position.
But a shining light for Kieran McKenna was striker Liam Delap, who plundered an impressive 12 goals in the top flight after joining permanently from Manchester City.
As a result, Chelsea have triggered Delap’s £30 million release clause and the 22-year-old will finalise his move to Stamford Bridge in the coming days.
Supporters will now feel a sense of intrigue at who will replace the Englishman. Ipswich have already been linked with Marc Guiu from the Blues, and now, another Premier League youngster has emerged on their radar.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough interested in Divin Mubama
Delap will leave behind big shoes to fill, even in the Championship, and we have learned that Ipswich could go for another Man City youngster to replace him.
EFL Analysis understands that Ipswich are keen on striker Divin Mubama, but they’re not alone, as Middlesbrough – who have very good relations with City – have also taken a liking to the 20-year-old.
We also understand that, although Norwich City haven’t shown an interest in Mubama, they could rival Ipswich for his signature, but that is subject to Josh Sargent leaving Carrow Road.
🚨🚜 EXCL: Ipswich are considering Divin Mubama with initial request to Manchester City for terms.
Manchester City position over transfer is £10m valuation… while there’s serious interest also from Lille. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/E8Vkc6knJz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
Man City paid West Ham a compensation fee of around £2 million to sign the talented centre-forward last summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he could now command a £10 million fee.
Mubama has been in exceptional form for City’s under-21s this term with a whopping 17 goals in 16 appearances, including a brace against Manchester United in the Premier League 2 play-offs.
Ironically, the youngster made his Premier League debut for the Citizens in a 6-0 hammering of Ipswich in January, and Pep Guardiola lauded Mubama as ‘unbelievable’.
Pep Guardiola on Divin Mubama: “His movements are UNBELIEVABLE! The way he moves in right tempo, the way he presses! The movement for the first goal is perfectly as a striker, it looks easy but how he made the one counter movement against the defender… It’s really, really good!… pic.twitter.com/s22i5yfJUv
— City Report (@cityreport_) January 11, 2025
That leaves many baffled as to why City would sell one of their brightest prospects this summer but for a cost of £10 million, he could be the perfect Delap replacement.
Mubama’s exceptional goal record
There aren’t many better strikers at his age in the Premier League than Mubama, as demonstrated by his prolific exploits at youth level.
Across his several seasons at West Ham and Man City combined, the striker’s goal scoring talents have exploded, and now, he seems ready for the step up.
Divin Mubama’s goal record U18 Premier League Premier League 2
Games 47 39
Goals 30 26
Assists 4 6
With first team opportunities limited at Man City, perhaps Mubama will take the same step as Delap did two years ago, and join a Championship side in the hope of becoming a Premier League star in the future.