West Ham have been actively searching for a striker, with Liam Delap frequently mentioned as a potential transfer target. The Ipswich striker has scored seven goals and provided two assists so far for the Tractor Boys. The son of Rory Delap, he joined the Suffolk club in July 2024 on a five-year contract for a reported £15m, with £5m in add-ons.
Tall, stocky, and quick, Delap possesses all the qualities to become a top-class player.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have been keeping tabs on him, while West Ham are also reportedly interested. However, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City was shrewd enough to include a buy-back clause and a 20% sell-on clause when negotiating the player’s sale.
When asked about the rumours, Delap said recently; “I don’t really look at things like that; I’m just focused on Ipswich.”
City have faced criticism for selling several promising young players in recent years, including Cole Palmer, Jeremie Frimpong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia, and Morgan Rogers. Yet, since 2014, they have raised €432m from transfer fees involving their youth academy—a remarkable feat.
Guardiola handed Delap his first-team debut at the age of 17, followed by loan spells at Preston North End and Stoke City.
At just 21 years old, if Delap continues his development, Manchester City—who may be seeking additional firepower with Erling Haaland’s future uncertain—could emerge as the most likely destination for the striker, ahead of West Ham and other clubs
