Chelsea and Manchester United Eye Cut-Price Deal for Striker | OneFootball

Liam Delap’s Relegation Release Sparks Premier League Scramble

Ipswich Town’s demotion may have sealed their fate, but Liam Delap’s future is just beginning to unfold. Following a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, the striker’s £30m release clause has officially been activated, with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea ready to pounce. Credit to SportsMole for highlighting the early scramble for Delap’s services.

Ipswich’s Collapse Leads to Exodus

The Tractor Boys, currently 18th with 21 points, trail 17th-placed West Ham United by 15 points, confirming relegation with four games still remaining. Naturally, an exodus seems imminent. Jacob Greaves, Omari Hutchinson, and Sammie Szmodics are already attracting Premier League attention.

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Centre-forward Delap, who has “scored 12 goals and provided two assists in the league this term,” has understandably drawn serious interest. As Fabrizio Romano reported, “the striker’s £30m release clause has become active,” and that figure looks a bargain for a player with top-flight pedigree.

Chelsea’s Search for a Reliable Striker

Chelsea’s recent 1-0 win over Everton, secured by Nicolas Jackson’s first league goal in 13 matches, underlines their ongoing attacking struggles. Despite their illustrious history, the Blues have found the net just “59 occasions in the Premier League in 2024-25,” making them statistically the worst offensive side among the top five.

Adding Delap could offer a solution. With Cole Palmer’s goal drought stretching back to January 14, there is a clear need for a reliable focal point up front. A player like Delap, capable of “consistently making runs beyond the last line of defence,” could unlock Palmer’s creative abilities and reignite Chelsea’s faltering attack.

Manchester United’s Urgent Need for Firepower

While Chelsea’s problems are significant, Manchester United’s are even more alarming. Only “38 times in the Premier League this season” have United found the back of the net. Current striker Rasmus Hojlund’s meagre return of three goals symbolises the Red Devils’ struggles.

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With Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho all linked with exits, United’s need for multiple reinforcements is glaring. Although Victor Osimhen remains a target, Delap’s modest fee could allow United to spread their summer budget and address other pressing squad deficiencies.

In a market that often rewards potential, Delap represents a rare commodity: a young, proven striker available at a reasonable price. Ipswich’s loss could soon be a Premier League giant’s gain.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an excited football fan’s perspective, the news about Liam Delap’s availability is electrifying. Here’s a young striker who has already proven he can mix it with senior professionals, registering 12 goals for a struggling Ipswich side. Imagine what he could achieve in a team that actually creates chances!

For Chelsea supporters, this could be the missing piece in a puzzling attack. Jackson’s struggles have been clear and Palmer desperately needs someone to link up with. If Delap can quickly adapt and forge an understanding with Palmer, Stamford Bridge could finally rediscover its voice after months of frustration.

On the other hand, Manchester United fans might see Delap as part of a wider solution, not the sole answer. Yes, Osimhen would still be the dream signing, but Delap represents smart business — a hungry, young player keen to make a name at the top level. If United could snare both, their forward line would suddenly look significantly more threatening.

Either way, for just £30m, Delap’s next move will be watched with huge interest. Whoever secures him could be signing one of English football’s breakout stars for 2025-26.