Liam Delap: United retain interest in Chelsea ace after failed summer move | OneFootball

Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Liam Delap last summer, but the player ended up joining Chelsea instead. The Red Devils were looking to address the No. 9 position following the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The Danish striker registered 10 goals from 52 games last season, while Zirkzee, who had arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, managed just seven goals in 49 outings. The English giants were eager for improvements and reportedly identified Delap as an option for the job.

However, the Blues ended up hijacking the deal, with United going on to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig instead. The Slovenian, meanwhile, is yet to live up to expectations, managing five goals in 19 games across competitions this season. Delap, on the other hand, has not fared any better at Stamford Bridge.

Delap’s struggles at Chelsea

Delap registered 12 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich Town last season, and hit the ground running with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Englishman registered one goal and one assist from six appearances for the Blues at the summer’s tournament, which they went on to win.

Unfortunately, Delap has suffered from injuries this season, missing 16 games so far, and has managed just two goals and one assist from 18 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.

Liam Delap Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

While it would now appear that United dodged a bullet by missing out on the 22 year old, a recent update suggests otherwise.

United still interested in Delap

According to The Independent, United still consider Delap as the ideal signing for the No. 9 position. The report states: “It is why those clubs still describe the Delap move as a “no-brainer”, given he was available for a mere £30m release clause. That’s less than half of everyone else’s price, other than the £55m Gyokeres.”

“Many are now wondering whether Delap regrets going to Chelsea, given the conveyor belt of other attackers there. United still feel he would have been right for them. The lower fee made all the more sense given the questions about the ability of all the strikers – other than Isak – to step up and score regularly for a big Premier League club.”

The report also outlined why the Red Devils opted not to sign Viktor Gyokeres despite him having worked under former head coach Ruben Amorim during their time together at Sporting.

“A greater focus on data ensured United never had the same interest despite the Amorim connection. There was concern about the nature of some of his finishes, despite his obvious qualities. Analytics showed that a lot of his goals in Portugal would likely have been saved by Premier League-level goalkeepers.”

Sesko, however, has come to life since Amorim’s departure, scoring three goals in his last two games. While he was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend, fans will hope that the Slovenian will get a chance against the Gunners on Sunday, 25 January.

Final Thoughts

Zirkzee remains heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford at the moment after struggling for game time this season. The Dutchman’s possible departure could tempt United to add another No. 9 to their squad and they could rekindle their interest in Delap. However, the Englishman is under contract with the Blues until 2031, so securing his signature will not be easy.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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