Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is set to spark a summer transfer battle, with a £30 million release clause expected to be triggered following the club’s likely relegation to the Championship.
The 22-year-old forward has impressed in his debut Premier League campaign, scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. His performances have attracted attention from several top-flight clubs eager to secure his signature.
Why the Price Tag Dropped
Delap was previously expected to be available for £40 million, with Manchester City—his former club—retaining a buy-back option at that price. However, sources at Ipswich have since confirmed to BBC Sport that the clause drops to £30 million in the event of relegation.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Wolves last weekend, Ipswich sit 12 points adrift of safety with just seven matches remaining. Manager Kieran McKenna has admitted that relegation now seems “more than likely.”
Despite Ipswich spending significantly more than Delap’s estimated £6.5 million market value to secure him last summer, FootballTransfers.com’s Paul MacDonald says the revised £30 million fee fairly reflects the striker’s current worth—factoring in his age, top-flight potential, and lack of international or European experience.
Which Clubs Are Interested?
Manchester United: A Logical Fit, But Not Guaranteed
Reported by Simon Stone, BBC Sport Chief Football News Reporter
Manchester United are expected to be among the frontrunners. Delap has outscored both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the Premier League this season, and his profile aligns well with manager Ruben Amorim’s system.
While United have cooled interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, the club's summer budget may hinge on whether they secure European football—via either Europa League success or domestic league placement.
Complicating matters is the club’s desire to offload high-earners like Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, as current wage structures could hinder new negotiations. A Delap deal is very much possible—but far from a certainty.
Chelsea: Strong Interest Backed by Familiar Faces
Reported by Nizaar Kinsella, BBC Sport
Chelsea also have Delap on their radar, thanks in part to deep ties from his Manchester City days. Manager Enzo Maresca previously coached him at City’s academy, as did Joe Shields (Chelsea’s recruitment lead) and new academy director Glenn van der Kraan.
While Chelsea are also monitoring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Gyökeres, the existence of a release clause—something the current Chelsea regime prioritizes—makes Delap a serious contender for a move to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City: Unlikely Return Despite Buy-Back Clause
City hold a £40 million buy-back clause and a 20% sell-on on profits above the £20 million they received for Delap. However, with Erling Haaland under contract until 2034 and forward options like Omar Marmoush, Jeremy Doku, and Savinho already in the fold, there’s little room for Delap to get regular minutes at the Etihad.
Though a summer squad reshuffle is expected under new technical director Hugo Viana, a return to City seems improbable given the competition and Delap’s need for consistent game time to progress his England ambitions.
Analysis: A Star in the Making
BBC pundit Chris Sutton believes Delap’s price tag will draw attention from many clubs.
“For £30 million, he’ll be on a lot of shortlists. He’s physical, he can run behind, and he’s more complete than someone like Nicolas Jackson. He could improve in the air given his 6'1" frame, but he’s got that swagger—he knows he’s good, and that’s what big clubs want.”
Sutton also noted that while a return to City could stall Delap’s progress, moves to clubs like United or Chelsea could unlock his full potential, much like Cole Palmer’s success since leaving the Etihad.
Who Else Might Make a Move?
- Arsenal: Focused on other targets like Sesko and Gyökeres.
- West Ham: In the market for a striker.
- Aston Villa: Could emerge as contenders, especially after loaning in Rashford following Duran's departure.
- Newcastle: With Callum Wilson out of contract and persistent rumors around Alexander Isak’s future, they remain a wildcard.
Final destinations may also be influenced by each club’s financial situation and potential Champions League qualification, which could tip the scales in Delap’s next move.