Liverpool is reportedly interested in Liam Delap going into 2025 after he scored seven goals in 18 Premier League games for Ipswich Town this season.
The Daily Mail claims that while Manchester City, his previous club, has first refusal, the Reds are one of several teams monitoring his progress.
The $25 million (£20 million/€24 million) deal that saw him relocate to the east coast last summer included that clause.
But with bigger clubs circling ahead of a possible move at the end of the season, Delap has responded by insisting he is content where he is. Under Kieran McKenna, he is flying at the moment and his only focus is on keeping Ipswich in the top flight.
I don’t really look at things like that,” he told Suffolk News when asked about the transfer speculation. “So, yes, I’m just focused on Ipswich. We are lucky to be playing in the Premier League. I think we’ve got a great opportunity here at Ipswich and we’re just trying to show our ability week in, week out, that’s a big plus for me.”
In addition to Liverpool, Chelsea has also been linked with Delap and head coach Enzo Maresca worked him while the pair were both at Manchester City.
“Liam is a fantastic player and also for his age,” Maresca said recently. “I think we spent one year together and I think he scored 22, 24 goals. He is a very good striker.
“In England, they have many like him and they have many good players, good strikers and he’s working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and can score goals. And also because of his age, I think he can be an important player for England.”
Delap is a very talented striker in the making, but if Manchester City has first refusal, it is difficult to see them letting him transfer to Anfield.
The Reds might have a difficult time making the transfer. Liverpool may prioritize a number nine this season, but that would require someone to leave first to create space.
