- Chelsea tipped to pursue Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
- Delap worked under Maresca in Man City’s academy
- Blues visit Ipswich on Monday
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was full of praise for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, hailing the Blues target as a “fantastic player”.
Last month, it emerged that Chelsea were among the top contenders vying for the signature of 21-year-old Liam Delap, the prolific Ipswich Town striker. With six goals in 17 games this season, Delap has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea. As fate would have it, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a deep understanding of Delap’s abilities, having coached him during his time at Manchester City’s Under-23 side in the 2020/21 season.
Maresca’s Praise for Delap
Maresca was quick to sing Delap’s praises, highlighting his impressive goal-scoring record and overall skillset. “Liam is a fantastic player,” Maresca exclaimed. “Also for his age, we spent one year together. I think in that season, he scored 22 or 24 goals. This is a very good striker – as I’ve said many times, England are quite lucky because they have very good players, very good strikers, and it is working hard off the ball, on the ball, he understands the game and he can score goals.”
A Summer Transfer in the Works?
While Chelsea’s interest in Delap is genuine, a January transfer is unlikely, as Ipswich Town will be reluctant to part with their prized asset during a critical phase of the season. The Tractor Boys are currently 19th in the Premier League table and will rely heavily on Delap’s goals to avoid relegation. However, a summer transfer could be a distinct possibility, especially if Ipswich fails to avoid the drop.
Manchester City’s Buy-Back Clause
It’s worth noting that Manchester City, Delap’s former club, are believed to have a buy-back clause that would allow them to re-sign the young striker. This could potentially complicate Chelsea’s pursuit of Delap, but it’s unclear whether City would exercise this option.
Chelsea’s Striker Conundrum
Chelsea’s interest in Delap is part of a broader strategy to bolster their attacking options. The Blues are known to be tracking as many as ten potential striker targets, with a view to settling on one before the summer window opens. Nicolas Jackson is currently the club’s primary striker, but Chelsea recognizes the need for additional competition and depth in this position.
Chelsea’s Interest in Liam Delap: A Summer Transfer on the Horizon?
In conclusion, while a January transfer for Liam Delap is unlikely, Chelsea’s interest in the young striker is genuine, and a summer transfer could be on the horizon. With Manchester City’s buy-back clause looming in the background, the situation is complex, but one thing is clear – Delap’s future is bright, and he will undoubtedly be a coveted asset in the transfer market.