Manchester United Consider Premier League Forward as Summer Striker Solution | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Ipswich’s Liam Delap Amid Transfer Uncertainties

As Manchester United recalibrate their transfer targets, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has emerged as a serious contender for a summer move to Old Trafford. According to Give Me Sport, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen appears increasingly complicated, pushing Delap into the spotlight.

Missed Opportunities and Market Adjustments

United’s winter transfer window saw notable squad adjustments. Head coach Ruben Amorim secured the £30million acquisition of Patrick Dorgu from Serie A’s Lecce, while a teenage defender made a fresh move from Arsenal. However, the club failed to land a new first-choice centre-forward before the February 3 deadline. This gap was further highlighted by Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa, which includes a £40million option to buy—a clear indication that plans are already in motion for summer reinforcements.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite these efforts, United’s inability to secure a leading striker has forced them to reassess their strategy. Amorim’s hopes of reuniting with Gyokeres are fading, while Osimhen’s return to Galatasaray seems unlikely. This has paved the way for Delap to be identified as an alternative target.

Liam Delap’s Rising Stock

Described as “lethal,” Delap only joined Ipswich in July after finding his path to Manchester City’s first team blocked by Erling Haaland. His prolific performances for Ipswich, a side battling to escape the Premier League’s relegation zone, have captured United’s attention. Give Me Sport sources suggest that Gyokeres and Osimhen remain top priorities, but contract demands and hefty price tags make Delap an increasingly attractive option.

United’s confidence in securing Delap, an England under-21 international, is growing—especially if Ipswich face relegation. The young striker has already bagged more than four times as many Premier League goals as United’s Rasmus Højlund, highlighting his potential impact at Old Trafford.

Competition and Future Prospects

Manchester United’s pursuit of Delap isn’t without its challenges. Chelsea have also shown interest, initiating contact through agents last month. Although Delap wasn’t prepared to push for a mid-season move, the Blues remain confident, especially with João Felix’s departure to AC Milan and potential exits for Christopher Nkunku on the horizon.

During the winter window, Delap’s price tag hovered around £50million. Despite Manchester City retaining a buyback clause, Give Me Sport reports that Pep Guardiola has no intention of bringing Delap back to the Etihad, thanks to Haaland’s long-term contract and the signing of Omar Marmoush. This development opens the door wider for United and Chelsea.

United’s ability to land Delap may also hinge on the future of their current strikers. Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee could be shown the exit if their form doesn’t improve in the season’s final months, creating room for fresh attacking options.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Manchester United fans will likely see this potential signing as a bold step towards rejuvenating their attacking line-up. Delap’s “lethal” reputation and his goal-scoring prowess at Ipswich offer a glimmer of hope for fans frustrated by the team’s recent inconsistencies.

However, scepticism will linger. The club’s inability to secure Gyokeres or Osimhen signals potential issues in negotiation strategies or financial constraints. While Delap’s stats are impressive, fans may question whether he can shoulder the pressure of leading the line at Old Trafford, especially with Chelsea looming as strong competitors.

For supporters, this transfer saga embodies both promise and peril. Should Delap join and thrive, it could mark a new era for United’s forward line. If not, it risks becoming another chapter in the club’s ongoing search for a consistent striker.