Who is Liam Delap? The Ipswich star wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea

Martin Macdonald

28 Nov 2024 06:16 CST
4 min read

Liam Delap has shone since joining Ipswich Town from Manchester City and he is now being linked with a host of top European clubs.

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Delap, whose father is Stoke City legend Rory, came through Derby County’s academy before moving to Man City at the age of 16 and he has been tipped to replace Harry Kane as England’s future number nine.

But, who is Delap, why is he wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, and how good can he become?

What position does Liam Delap play?

Delap is a centre forward.

How good is Liam Delap?

Delap is one of the best young forwards in the Premier League and he looks destined to become an elite striker when he hits his prime in his mid-to-late 20s.

The Englishman was unstoppable during his time in Man City’s academy, notably scoring 24 goals in just 20 Premier League 2 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign. He also bagged on his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola, scoring off the bench against Bournemouth in September 2020.

Delap at the DOUBLE! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/bheqAeoSZA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 29, 2024

However, subsequent loan spells at Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City were fairly underwhelming, and it was a slight surprise when Ipswich coughed up €17.9 million to sign him on a permanent deal in 2024.

But, Delap has hit the ground running in the English top flight and The Tractor Boys are reportedly determined to retain his services following his excellent start to life in Suffolk.

He scored his first ever Premier League goal during a 1-1 draw against Fulham in just his fifth appearance in the competition, while Delap netted his first senior brace versus Aston Villa one month later.

The Ipswich forward has impressive penalty-box instincts, a good turn of pace and immense physicality that sees him frequently win battles against the toughest centre-backs in the Premier League.

As a result, it’s no wonder that big teams are starting to take notice as they prepare to submit an offer to Ipswich.

What clubs are interested in Liam Delap?

Delap has attracted significant suitors since leaving Man City to join Ipswich in July 2024.

Chelsea appear to be the frontrunners in the race to sign him, however, with the Blues keeping tabs on his progress at Portman Road as they look to add a new striker.

Furthermore, Man City have been linked with re-signing Delap due to a buy-back clause in his Ipswich contract, while Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Ajax and PSV are also reportedly interested in the young England forward.