Liam Delap has snubbed a move to Manchester United, who will now be forced to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements this summer but could Jonathan Burkardt be the answer
11:27, 30 May 2025Updated 11:34, 30 May 2025
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Brentford FC at Molineux on May 25, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha could be handed Man United transfer(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Manchester United have been dealt a transfer shocker as Liam Delap snubbed their offer, opting for Chelsea instead.
The forward had the cream of the Premier League crop to choose from after his stellar season with relegated Ipswich Town. His £30million release clause made him a feasible target, and with United, who are on the brink of a £62.5million deal for Wolves' Matheus Cunha, not exactly rolling in it this summer, Delap's price tag and skill set made him an appealing prospect.
However, United are now paying the price for a lacklustre Premier League run and their Europa League final loss earlier this month, which dashed any dreams of European football at Old Trafford next season. It seems Delap is all set to make his move to Stamford Bridge any day now. So, what's the plan now?
United are desperate to bag a striker this summer given Rasmus Hojlund's woes and Joshua Zirkee's inclination to play deeper. In a perfect world, Ruben Amorim would be eyeing a reunion with Sporting Lisbon powerhouse Viktor Gyokeres, or joining the chase for the gifted Benjamin Sesko or free agent Jonathan David, reports the Manchester Evening News.
But all three will be after Champions League football, which United can't offer. Even the tried-and-tested Premier League alternatives to Delap, such as Brentford ace Yoane Wissa and Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, could prove too pricey for United, as Premier League signings often come with a hefty premium.
Lesser-known star
This could mean the Reds need to broaden their horizons in the hunt for fresh attacking talent. A peek at the Bundesliga might just hold the key.
A scan of the top scorers' list, topped by Harry Kane, reveals the lesser-known Jonathan Burkardt sitting pretty in fourth place. The forward netted 18 times last season, catapulting Mainz into European competition.
At 24, he's clocked up over 100 first-team appearances for Mainz, often playing in a 3-4-3 formation similar to Amorim's setup at United, and has earned his stripes with the German national team. In fact, he's tipped to be leading the line for Germany in the 2026 World Cup next year. He's long been pegged as a rising star back home and is now living up to the hype.
Jonathan Burkardt, with the ball, is a possible target
Jonathan Burkardt, with the ball, is a possible target(Image: Getty Images)
An added sweetener is his reported €20million release clause. He's caught the eye of Eintracht Frankfurt, who are keen on a deal, and has only been loosely linked with United.
But as the Reds strive to balance the books with footballing prowess, Burkardt could be a solid shout.
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United were dire in front of goal in the 2024-25 season, but bringing in Cunha as a number 10 should boost those numbers, while Burkardt offers more of a spearhead than Hojlund.
The German lad might not be the perfect fit, but if his price tag, track record and potential allow United to beef up their striker options and possibly bring in other new faces, he could be a savvy summer signing.