Manchester City’s decision to sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea last summer is becoming harder to ignore, especially as the young midfielder has emerged as a pivotal player at Stamford Bridge.
While Palmer has flourished and become one of the Premier League’s most impressive performers, his time at Manchester City was marked by limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola.
This stark contrast has reportedly left City with growing regret, a sentiment exacerbated by their recent poor form, including a string of five consecutive losses, culminating in a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Liam Delap: A Similar Scenario Unfolding?
Another young talent who left City this summer, Liam Delap, could soon become another case of missed opportunity for the reigning Premier League champions.
Sold to Ipswich Town for £20 million, Delap has made an immediate impact, scoring six goals in 12 Premier League appearances.
His performances have drawn attention from top clubs, with Chelsea rumored to have shifted their focus to him after cooling their interest in Alexander Isak.
Delap’s potential move to Chelsea could pose a significant issue for Manchester City, particularly because of a buyback clause included in his transfer to Ipswich.
Given his rapid progress in England’s top flight, concerns are mounting at The Etihad that Delap could follow a similar trajectory to Palmer—thriving at a direct rival while City grapples with squad depth issues.
The Case for Bringing Delap Back
City may soon have to make a decision about activating Delap’s buyback clause, especially with Chelsea reportedly expressing interest in the striker.
Delap’s ability to succeed at the Premier League level is already evident, and his performances at Ipswich indicate he has the potential to excel at a top club.
If Chelsea manages to secure his signature, it could deepen City’s regrets, as Delap could further strengthen a rival already benefiting from Palmer’s brilliance.
This potential scenario is particularly pressing given City’s current squad challenges, especially in their forward line.
With Erling Haaland as the primary striker and limited alternatives, Delap could provide much-needed depth.
The departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid has only heightened City’s need for reliable backup options.
Reacquiring Delap might not only address this issue but also prevent him from linking up with Palmer at Stamford Bridge—a partnership that could make Chelsea a serious threat to City’s dominance.
Strategic Considerations for City
As Delap continues to impress and interest from Chelsea grows, City may find the buyback clause increasingly tempting.
Bringing Delap back would allow them to bolster their squad with a talented young striker while simultaneously denying a rival the chance to capitalize on his potential.
His return could also help City avoid the lingering regret of having let another promising player slip away.
In light of Palmer’s success at Chelsea and Delap’s current form, Manchester City faces a critical decision.
Recalling Delap could not only strengthen their own squad but also protect their long-term interests, ensuring they don’t lose another star to a
