Delap PRIORITY revealed as Chelsea and Man Utd eye 'quick' transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Apr 2025 09:18 CDT
4 min read

Liam Delap, Ipswich Town, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Liam Delap is prioritising suitors that will play in Europe next season, potentially giving Chelsea a crucial advantage over Manchester United in the race to sign the Ipswich striker.

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The 22-year-old has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after players over the course of his debut season in England's top flight. Although Delap has been unable to stave off Ipswich's relegation to the Championship, he has impressed with 12 goals and his overall displays.

STATS

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

33

Games
12

Goals
2

Assists

The former Man City prospect was expected to leave the Tractor Boys even in case of survival, but their demotion means that he will be significantly cheaper this summer, making him even more attractive.

Delap's contract contains a relegation release clause of just €35 million, and this clause is now already active. However, according to Ben Jacobs, a final decision from the player is unlikely to come before all the European spots are decided.

That is because Delap is keen to move to a club that will compete in a UEFA competition next season. Delap is prioritising European football, and this could prove to be an issue for Man Utd.

Delap to prefer Chelsea?

The Red Devils view Delap as their top target for the No.9 position heading into the summer window. As opposed to Matheus Cunha, who is open to joining the club even without Europe, Delap could view Man Utd's potential lack of UEFA football as a dealbreaker.

Winning the Europa League is therefore crucial for Man Utd as it is their only way of ensuring European qualification in what has been the worst season in the club's Premier League history.

Should Man Utd fail to achieve this, it would likely put Chelsea back in pole position for Delap's signature. For weeks, the Blues were considered the frontrunners to sign the England youth international, but Man Utd's recent surge of interest blew the race wide open again.

Once the final Premier League table is set, Delap is expected to make a quick decision as he will be part of the England squad at this summer's U21 European Championship.

Jacobs confirms that Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig also hold an interest in Delap, but Fabrizio Romano insists that the forward is likely to stay in the Premier League. He is also on Newcastle's radar.

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