Liam Delap looks set to turn down offers from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Everton, and Newcastle United, in favour of a move to Chelsea.
The young striker, currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, has attracted considerable interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
Despite having multiple suitors, Delap appears to have made up his mind and is leaning toward Stamford Bridge, where a reunion with Enzo Maresca awaits.
Maresca, recently appointed as Chelsea manager, previously worked with Delap during their time together at Manchester City, and that connection is believed to have played a major role in the forward’s decision.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to trigger Delap’s £30 million release clause, giving them a clear path to securing the 21-year-old’s signature.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s lack of European competition next season seems to have hurt their chances of landing the striker.
United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League—or any other European tournament—has significantly weakened their appeal to rising talents like Delap, allowing Chelsea to swoop in without much resistance.
While missing out on Delap will be disappointing for Manchester United, it may actually benefit the club in the long run.
According to GiveMeSport, the Red Devils are now in a stronger position to pursue Bryan Mbeumo, a standout performer from Brentford.
The Cameroonian winger, who is not a traditional centre-forward, had a stellar 2024/25 season, breaking the 20-goal mark in the Premier League for the first time and improving dramatically from his previous campaign.
His performances have caught the attention of the INEOS leadership at United, who now view him as a viable and experienced alternative to Delap.
Brentford signed Mbeumo from Troyes back in 2019 for £5.8 million, and his current market value is estimated to be in the range of £50–60 million.
This means the club stands to make a massive profit of over £44 million if the player is sold this summer.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has already hinted that Mbeumo may leave before the 2025/26 season, emphasizing that although the club is open to selling, the price would have to be right.
In summary, while Liam Delap’s decision to favour Chelsea over Manchester United represents a setback for the Red Devils’ youth recruitment strategy, it may lead to a silver lining in the form of Bryan Mbeumo—a proven Premier League performer who could make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
