Report: Chelsea and Juventus eye Liam Delap as Ipswich star impresses scouts | OneFootball

Chelsea and Juventus Battle for Liam Delap as Ipswich Star Shines

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about young forwards in Europe. Following an impressive start to the Premier League season, the 21-year-old is attracting interest from top clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus.

Ryan Taylor’s report in The Mirror sheds light on Delap’s rising stock and the complex dynamics of his potential transfer, particularly with City’s buy-back clause and Juventus’ contingency plans for Dusan Vlahovic.

Photo: IMAGO

Interest Intensifies in Delap’s Talent

Delap’s performances have caught the eye of several European powerhouses, including Chelsea. The striker, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20 million, has quickly adapted to the Premier League. Juventus are reportedly considering him as a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract talks with the Turin club remain unresolved.

“It’s not anything I’m aware of or interested in, to be honest,” said Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, addressing speculation about Delap’s future and City’s buy-back clause. “I think that’s a question for other people and for [chairman] Mark Ashton. My full focus is on this season and, with regards to Liam, trying to help him to continue to improve. I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and co-director of recruitment Joe Shields are no strangers to Delap’s abilities, having worked with him during their time at Manchester City. Shields, in particular, was instrumental in nurturing Delap during his formative years at the Etihad Academy.

Juventus Scout Delap as Vlahovic Talks Stall

Juventus’ interest in Delap stems from their uncertainty over Vlahovic’s future. The Serbian forward’s contract expires in 2026, but negotiations for an extension have stalled. To avoid the risk of losing Vlahovic on a free transfer, Juventus have begun planning for potential replacements.

According to Taylor, Juventus sent scouts to watch Delap in Ipswich’s recent match against Manchester United, signalling their intent to secure the young striker if Vlahovic departs. For Ipswich, Delap’s burgeoning value represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as the Tractor Boys may face mounting pressure to cash in on their star forward.

Chelsea’s Strategic Move for the Future

Chelsea’s interest in Delap aligns with their long-term recruitment strategy under Maresca. With the buy-back clause giving Manchester City leverage, Chelsea’s pursuit of Delap will be closely monitored. For Ipswich, retaining Delap until the end of the season could be crucial to their ambitions of staying competitive in the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys’ ability to fend off interest from European giants could depend on their financial stability and Delap’s own commitment to the club. For now, McKenna’s focus is on maximising Delap’s development: “I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.”

Photo: IMAGO

Implications for Manchester City’s Buy-Back Clause

City’s decision to include a buy-back clause and a 20% sell-on fee when selling Delap to Ipswich could play a pivotal role in shaping his next move. Should Delap’s value soar, City may find themselves with a cost-effective opportunity to reacquire him or profit significantly if a rival club secures his services.

At just 21, Delap has demonstrated a rare combination of technical ability and physicality that makes him an asset for any top-tier side. Whether he remains at Ipswich or moves to a European powerhouse, his trajectory is one to watch closely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter, the prospect of signing Liam Delap feels like an exciting yet challenging opportunity. With Maresca at the helm, Delap would fit seamlessly into Chelsea’s forward-thinking strategy, especially given his proven ability to adapt to Premier League football. The connections between Maresca, Shields, and Delap further underline why Chelsea may have a genuine edge in the race for his signature.

However, Manchester City’s buy-back clause complicates the equation. While it provides a safety net for City, it poses a hurdle for Chelsea in terms of financial negotiations and long-term planning. This situation raises questions about whether Chelsea would be willing to overpay for a player City could reacquire at a lower cost.

Juventus’ interest adds another layer of intrigue. If the Italian giants secure Delap, Chelsea risk losing out on a future star who could develop into a leading striker in Europe. Balancing the immediate cost with the long-term benefits will be critical for Chelsea as they aim to rebuild their squad with young, high-potential talent.

Ultimately, Delap’s future will depend on Ipswich’s resolve, City’s strategy, and Delap’s ambitions. For Chelsea fans, this transfer saga is one to watch keenly, with the hope that Stamford Bridge becomes the next chapter in Delap’s burgeoning career.