Chelsea and Newcastle are fiercely competing with Manchester United to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap this summer. Delap, who has a release clause of £30 million following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, is set to meet with all interested clubs before deciding on his next move.
Delap has already held discussions with Manchester United, where he has been offered a contract worth £150,000 per week. However, talks with other clubs, notably Chelsea and Newcastle, are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Both Chelsea and Newcastle have been quietly courting the 22-year-old striker, eager to add him to their squads ahead of the new season.
Newcastle is looking to strengthen its relatively small squad, especially in attack. The Magpies see Delap as an ideal partner to their star forward Alexander Isak, who is reportedly set to undergo groin surgery at the end of the season. If Newcastle qualifies for the Champions League, they will need a strong backup or complementary striker to Isak to maintain competitiveness across multiple competitions. Delap’s versatility and goal-scoring ability could fill this role perfectly.
Delap has had a breakout campaign since his move from Manchester City to Ipswich last summer. Over the course of the season, he scored 12 goals in 39 appearances, establishing himself as a promising striker with considerable potential. Ipswich, resigned to losing him after relegation, had briefly considered renegotiating the terms of his departure but ultimately accepted that the player is ready to move on. A swift agreement with one of the interested clubs would give all parties clarity well before pre-season preparations begin.
One factor that could influence the final decision is Delap’s ambition to play at the highest level possible. This has already caused at least one club’s hopes of signing him to be dashed, as they did not meet this criterion. Both Chelsea and Manchester United represent opportunities to compete in top-flight football, and Newcastle’s potential Champions League qualification adds to their appeal.
Chelsea has a clear strategy of acquiring young talent, which makes Delap a fitting target for the club. The England Under-21 international fits their profile of signing emerging players with the potential to develop into key squad members. However, Chelsea also have other options and could prioritize a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, particularly if they secure Champions League football next season.
Sesko has attracted significant interest from multiple clubs, including Arsenal, but Chelsea have been tracking the 21-year-old Slovenian striker for three years. Sesko has impressed this season with 26 goals combined for club and country, making him a valuable prospect. Chelsea’s final decision on which striker to pursue may depend on the outcome of their Champions League qualification and the evolving negotiations surrounding Delap.
At Manchester United, the technical director Jason Wilcox, who previously worked with Delap at Manchester City, has played a key role in the club’s interest. United are actively pursuing several forward options alongside Delap. The club has been working to secure the signing of Wolves striker Matheus Cunha and has also considered Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres. United’s approach suggests they are determined to bolster their attacking options substantially in the coming transfer window.
The race for Liam Delap highlights the growing competition among top English clubs for promising young talent. Delap’s next move will be a significant step in his career, offering him a platform to develop further and compete at the highest level. With several high-profile clubs showing serious interest, the summer transfer window promises to be an exciting period for the young striker and the clubs vying to sign him.
