With 10 Premier League goals to his name so far this season, Liam Delap is attracting lots of interest and for all the right reasons!
According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Chelsea are ready to try and seal a deal with Ipswich, prior to the summer, to sign striker Liam Delap. However, there is sure to be interest from Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Who is Liam Delap?
Born in Winchester in 2003, Liam is the son of Rory Delap, former Stoke player and long throw specialist.
Coming through the academy ranks at Manchester City, Delap represented England at every youth level from U16 through to U21.
The imposing, 6’1 Centre Forward scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for the Three Lions youth sides. Three loan spells at Stoke, Preston and, most successfully, Hull is where Delap started to attract attention.
In July 2024, Ipswich Town signed Delap from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £20million, on a five year contract.
Delap has shone in his first full Premier League season with Ipswich, bagging 10 goals in the process. Ipswich fans have made it clear that they believe that without him, they don’t have much of a goal threat.
Why the Harry Kane comparison?
Everything about Delap’s physique, playing style and technical ability screams Harry Kane. Some might argue that Delap’s finishing is not on the same level, which it isn’t… yet. Delap’s hold up play, the way he wins fouls, brings teammates into play is very reminiscent of Kane.
Delap can play on his own as a target man or he he’s equally adept at playing in a two up top alongside a quicker player. At Ipswich, as the main front man, they are blessed with runners to play off him. The likes of Sammie Szmodics, Jack Clarke, and Omari Hutchinson can all get in and around Delap to feed off his hold up play.
Big money move?
Ipswich will be hoping that if they can secure Premier League football for 2025/2026, that might be enough to keep hold of their star striker. Early signs are that the interested clubs value Delap at around £50m plus add ons.
An England call up is surely not far away, and this will only add more money to his price tag. Delap is currently with the giant agency CAA Stellar, who will be primed to assist with such a big move.
There are rumours that Manchester City included a £40m buy back clause and also a 20% sell on clause. Whether they will proceed with the buy back option remains to be seen.
Opinion
I watched Liam closely in Ipswich’s 2-1 win vs Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in November and left very impressed. Delap bullied the Spurs defence and they could not handle his physicality and movement. He bagged a goal that day in a much deserved victory.
After half an hour, I made the Harry Kane comparison to a fan sitting next to me. Bringing others into play, holding the ball up well, and offering good distribution to his team mates. Delap was awarded Man of the Match that day and gave Spurs fans a reminder of the sort of performance we were so used to seeing from Harry Kane.
When I asked Sammie Szmodics for a few words on Delap, Sammie said this, “Legend. He’s a hard worker, he wants to learn, and is a natural finisher. He will play for England”.
I have no doubt that Delap will earn a big money move, as a Spurs fan, I truly hope it is to us. I am also in no doubt that he will earn an England call up and cement his place in the National side in the next few years.