Liverpool Urged to Consider £40m Deal for Former Man City Star Amid Nunez Exit Rumours | OneFootball

Shearer Suggests Delap as Liverpool Consider Striker Reshuffle

As Liverpool prepare for their first full summer under Arne Slot, recruitment in attack will be paramount. The club’s recent form has highlighted the need for a reliable centre-forward, and while eyes have turned toward high-profile names like Alexander Isak, former England striker Alan Shearer has put forward a more under-the-radar candidate: Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

“Liverpool are going to need a centre-forward,” Shearer said on The Rest Is Football. “They might try and move Nunez on and bring someone else into that position. There will be big football clubs after Delap I’m sure of that.”

The comments come amid mounting speculation around Darwin Nunez’s future. Having failed to hit consistent scoring form, the Uruguayan could be on his way out, especially after the club rejected a bid for him in January. Luis Diaz, often deployed centrally this season, is also the subject of interest from Barcelona. If both depart, Slot will need replacements—and quickly.

Delap Presents Cost-Effective Option

While Liverpool admire Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker’s valuation of over £120 million could prove prohibitive. That level of investment may not be feasible if the club is also planning midfield or defensive reinforcements.

Enter Liam Delap. Currently thriving at Ipswich, the young striker is valued at around £40 million—a figure influenced by Manchester City’s buy-back clause. While Delap is still developing, his physicality, finishing and movement have caught the attention of top clubs. For Liverpool, it could represent a smart move: a promising, affordable forward who can be moulded into Slot’s system.

Delap is still raw, but Shearer’s endorsement is notable. The Premier League’s record goalscorer doesn’t dish out praise lightly. His belief that Delap is ready to make the jump adds further weight to the idea that Liverpool could pounce.

Jones Impresses on International Stage

It wasn’t just transfer talk that drew attention on The Rest Is Football. Gary Lineker used the same platform to heap praise on Curtis Jones following his performance for England in their 2-0 win over Albania.

“Curtis Jones, I like him in there,” said Lineker. “He’s tidy, he’s very technical, you know, he wriggles out of situations and he’s very confident on the ball.”

Jones has been a peripheral figure at times for Liverpool, but his recent uptick in form has been well-timed. With Jordan Henderson departed and midfield transitions continuing, the 24-year-old has a chance to stake a stronger claim next season under Slot.

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“When Curtis Jones has had the opportunity, like we said before, he’s taken it. And that’s what you’ve got to continue to do to try and force your manager’s hand,” Lineker added.

Slot’s Summer Puzzle Taking Shape

As the Klopp era fades into the rear-view mirror, Slot’s Liverpool will be shaped by the decisions made this summer. The forward line could see wholesale changes, and a player like Delap offers both long-term promise and budgetary flexibility.

The midfield, too, is evolving. If Jones continues to grow and stay fit, he may be seen not just as a squad option but a central figure in the Slot blueprint. Performances like his recent England display only strengthen that case.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans understand the complexities of a summer rebuild, especially under a new manager. Nunez has had his moments, but inconsistency in front of goal is hard to overlook. If the club can recoup a decent fee, supporters might accept that his exit is part of a necessary refresh.

The suggestion of Delap as a replacement may feel underwhelming to some. Yet there’s a logic to it. He’s young, available at a reasonable price, and has the physical attributes to adapt quickly to the Premier League. If the club has a plan to integrate him alongside more proven forwards, the move could pay dividends.

As for Curtis Jones, his development is one of the more encouraging stories of the past year. His technical balance and ability to escape pressure in tight areas suit Slot’s possession-based approach. If he can stay fit, he could be pivotal.

This summer won’t just be about big names—it will be about smart decisions. And if Liverpool get those right, Slot could be building something special.