With only five Premier League matches left this season, Ipswich Town`s relegation seems inevitable. A loss to Newcastle on Saturday would send the Tractor Boys back to the Championship.
This situation almost certainly means the departure of highly-rated forward Liam Delap, who is attracting interest from several major English clubs.
Delap arrived at Ipswich from Manchester City last summer in a £20 million deal. A relegation clause means he could be available for just £30 million if the club is relegated.
The 22-year-old has had a strong season, contributing to 14 goals in 32 Premier League appearances.
His impressive performances have drawn attention from clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. This article explores which of these clubs would be the best destination for him, examining his strengths and what he could offer each team.
Movement Off the Defensive Line
It`s fair to say that Delap`s performance for Ipswich this season has surprised many. He spent the previous campaign on loan with Hull City in the Championship, and while he played well, his form didn`t suggest he would make such an impact in the Premier League.
One of the biggest surprises has been Delap`s movement off the last line, which he uses to create space and separation. When Ipswich attacks, Delap is often marked by two or three defenders.
Yet, he consistently makes clever runs that give him an advantage over opponents. His movement is intelligent, but it`s the timing of these runs that truly stands out, allowing Delap to find space.
In the example shown above, Delap`s clever movement creates an attack before he times his arrival into space for a comfortable finish. He receives the ball, drives forward, releases it wide, and then moves into the box to meet the cross and finish first time.
Chelsea would benefit most from this specific aspect of Delap’s game. The Blues` form has dipped in the latter half of the season, impacting Cole Palmer. To get the best out of Palmer, Chelsea needs a striker with Delap`s movement profile.
Delap`s intelligent runs could maximize the quality passes Palmer is known for. Adding a striker with Delap`s presence, athleticism, and intelligent movement would significantly help Chelsea break down teams playing in deeper defensive blocks. Delap naturally pushes defensive lines back, creating space behind for Palmer, while also being capable of receiving the ball and linking play.
Chelsea needs to add a modern striker profile for next season, and Delap should be a top target.
Smart Movement in the Box
Modern strikers who rely on running and attacking space behind the defense often struggle with movement in confined areas, such as the penalty box. This is not the case for Delap.
One of the most impressive aspects of his development at Ipswich this season has been his movement to create separation within the opposition`s penalty area.
He has become an instinctive striker with excellent timing when attacking balls in the box.
Delap has the physical build of a traditional target man, so you might expect him to be strong in the air. However, it`s his movement, anticipation, and the timing of his first step that make him truly effective in the area.
He makes strong runs across defenders to attack space and tends to arrive at the optimal moment for a cross.
In the example above, Delap is initially the only Ipswich player in the Aston Villa penalty area. As the ball is worked wide, the player in possession shifts it and delivers a low cross. As soon as the wide player made his move, Delap anticipated the pass with a clever run across the defender`s face to finish past the goalkeeper.
Among the top teams linked with Delap, Arsenal would benefit most from a player with this profile. The Gunners produce a high volume of crosses, but their current striker options are not consistently effective at converting them.
Players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus (when fit) often fail to make the most of these opportunities. If Arsenal were to add a striker like Delap, who actively attacks the ball with clever movement, their high volume of crosses would be utilized far more effectively.
The Champions League semi-finalists don`t necessarily need a striker valuable in build-up play, but they desperately need someone who can finish chances in the box.
Here, we see a situation where Arsenal are in a strong attacking position. Havertz is the striker positioned to attack the cross, but his run is timed too early, allowing defenders to react and block the shot. Arsenal has a clear need in the number 9 position, and a domestic option like Delap should be highly appealing this summer.
Pace to Stretch Opponent Defenses
One of Delap`s standout qualities this year has been his strength in attacking space behind defensive lines. Ipswich has often played against teams that have more possession, resulting in opponents pushing their defensive lines higher.
This has created opportunities for Ipswich to counter-attack with direct passes, releasing Delap into open space. In the modern game, teams increasingly seek tall, powerful strikers who have the pace and ability to run in behind and force opponents to defend larger areas.
This perfectly matches Delap`s profile. He can stretch the defense and create significant danger for his team when they aim to attack quickly from deeper positions.
In one match, Delap demonstrated his ability to peel off defenders to create space before making quick runs to attack that space. His teammates know they can regain possession and quickly play forward passes to release him.
Manchester United are in desperate need of a striker who fits this profile. They may have hoped Rasmus Hojlund would provide this, but while Delap`s game has clearly developed this season, Hojlund`s seems to have stalled or regressed.
Indeed, watching United play, it`s evident they lack a forward who can effectively run the channels and offer an option to attack space behind the defensive line.
This absence allows opposing teams to compress the game and play higher up the pitch, making it harder for United to build attacks effectively. We see an example of this when United play a direct pass into the channel to release Hojlund. He lacks the power or pace to capitalize on the opportunity, allowing two Manchester City players to catch up to him.
Conclusion
There is little doubt that Delap will move this summer. There is no benefit for either the player or Ipswich in him staying for a season in the Championship.
The only question is his destination.
While he would undoubtedly improve both Arsenal and Manchester United, Chelsea stands to gain the most by signing the player touted as a future England star.
