Man United and Chelsea Have ‘Held Talks’ with £30m Forward Over Summer Move – Report | OneFootball

Liam Delap on Premier League Radar: Chelsea and Man United Circle £30m Striker

Liam Delap’s name has rapidly emerged in early summer transfer discussions, with Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United showing concrete interest in the young striker. As reported by Caught Offside, both clubs have already held talks with the Ipswich Town forward, who is preparing for a move after a strong individual campaign despite Ipswich’s relegation.

Delap’s contract includes a release clause of £30 million, making him a highly accessible talent in today’s inflated transfer market. “Delap is exploring his options – he’s considering his options because he’s expected to go to try something new after a very good season for him personally,” the report explains, highlighting his personal form in a struggling side.

Delap’s Premier League Commitment Could Shape Transfer Outcome

While interest from Bundesliga clubs is credible and ongoing, sources close to the player believe his preference is to remain in England. As noted, “important clubs from Germany would be ready to hold talks with the player and offer him an important contract. Still, the player’s priority is very clear – to stay in the Premier League.”

Photo IMAGO

This Premier League-first mindset bodes well for Chelsea and Manchester United, both of whom are seeking additional firepower and youthful energy upfront. With his proven ability to score in top-flight football, Delap is not just a project for the future, but someone who could contribute immediately.

Fitting into Manchester United or Chelsea’s Long-Term Plans

It’s understood both clubs have multiple attacking targets on their radar, but the interest in Delap is “concrete and genuine.” The £30 million clause gives Delap and interested clubs a clear framework for negotiations, without the ambiguity that can often stall deals at this level.

Delap’s versatility and direct style of play could suit Manchester United’s transitional style, especially if Erik ten Hag remains at the helm and seeks a pressing centre-forward who can grow within a dynamic front three. At Chelsea, the pathway to minutes may be slightly more complex with existing competition, but the club has shown a willingness to invest in promising British talent with resale value.

What Happens Next?

According to the Caught Offside article, “now it’s time for him to explore all the options possible.” Whether more English clubs join the race or not, it is clear that Delap is carefully considering not just the financials, but also the sporting project on offer.

Photo: IMAGO

This will be key – as a 21-year-old with growing confidence and a full season of top-tier football under his belt, Delap needs a club willing to nurture his development with genuine game time and a clear role in the squad. Chelsea and Manchester United both have history with nurturing young strikers, but they also have the pressure of immediate results.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s point of view, the potential signing of Liam Delap would feel like a breath of fresh air. While the club is often linked with £70m+ names, Delap represents a different sort of investment – one with purpose and long-term gain. His performances at Ipswich showed hunger, movement, and an ability to battle defences, even when the team around him wasn’t firing. That bodes well for a United side often criticised for a lack of pressing from the front.

United fans will remember the failed gambles on high-profile strikers with mixed results. Delap, on the other hand, offers something similar to what Rasmus Højlund brings – raw ability, mobility and potential – but he would add valuable depth. At £30m, it’s a move that’s financially justifiable, especially with Premier League experience already under his belt.

If the club is serious about building a younger, more sustainable side, signing Delap now would reflect a strategic shift. In years past, United may have waited too long to make these kinds of smart signings. The hope is that those days are behind us. A strike force featuring Højlund and Delap could be the beginning of something promising.