Manchester City’s decision to allow Cole Palmer to join Chelsea during the summer transfer window is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, especially as the young midfielder has flourished at Stamford Bridge. Palmer has quickly established himself as one of the standout players in the Premier League, playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s resurgence.
This marks a stark contrast to his time at City, where he struggled to secure regular minutes under Pep Guardiola. The regret at the Etihad over Palmer’s departure has only deepened during City’s recent struggles, which include an alarming run of five consecutive defeats, capped off by a heavy 4-0 loss to Tottenham.
Liam Delap: Another Talent City Could Regret Losing
City might soon find themselves in a similar situation with Liam Delap, another promising young player who left the club this summer. After being sold to Ipswich Town for £20 million, Delap has impressed with six goals in 12 Premier League appearances. His performances have caught the attention of top clubs, including Chelsea, who are reportedly considering him as a potential target after moving on from their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
What complicates matters further for City is the inclusion of a buyback clause in Delap’s transfer to Ipswich. With the striker rapidly developing into a Premier League standout, there is growing concern at the Etihad that they could face another scenario where a young talent they let go thrives at a rival club. If Delap’s rise continues and he joins Chelsea, City could once again find themselves regretting their decision, especially given their current challenges in providing adequate support for Erling Haaland.
Why City May Revisit Delap’s Exit
Chelsea’s reported interest in Delap could push Manchester City to consider activating the buyback clause. Delap’s success at Ipswich suggests he has the potential to perform at the highest level, making him a valuable addition to City’s squad. With Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid leaving City’s attacking depth thin, bringing Delap back could provide much-needed competition for Haaland and bolster their striking options.
The possibility of Delap joining Chelsea and forming a partnership with Cole Palmer is particularly concerning for City, as it could strengthen a direct competitor. Reclaiming Delap would not only enhance City’s attacking depth but also prevent Chelsea from gaining a key asset who could challenge City for titles in the future.
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Avoiding Another Palmer-Like Situation
Ultimately, Delap’s progress at Ipswich and Chelsea’s interest in the striker highlight a dilemma for Manchester City. Allowing him to flourish elsewhere could mirror the regret already felt over Palmer’s departure. As Delap continues to shine, City may find themselves with a difficult decision, one that could shape their long-term plans and impact the balance of power in the Premier League.
