Liam Delap, the 21-year-old striker currently impressing at Ipswich Town, has become one of the hottest young talents in English football.
After making a £20 million switch from Manchester City to Ipswich last summer, Delap has quickly proven his worth, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 19 Premier League appearances.
Despite Ipswich’s struggle to avoid relegation, Delap’s individual performances have garnered attention from top Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly keeping tabs on him.
Gary Lineker, a former England striker, has tipped Delap for a future move to a bigger club, saying on The Rest is Football podcast, “With all due respect to Ipswich, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone signs him. Strikers are worth their weight in gold now.”
Lineker’s comments come after Delap’s impressive performances, including his role in Ipswich’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, which caught the attention of football pundits.
Alan Shearer, another former England striker, praised Delap’s development, particularly his aggression and ability to hold up the ball and create opportunities under pressure.
Shearer also pointed out that Delap is learning and improving with every game, noting that his performances have made him a player to watch for both club and country.
With English strikers in short supply, Shearer believes Delap could soon be a regular in the Premier League and possibly the England squad.
Despite the growing interest, Ipswich is determined to keep Delap for the remainder of the season. However, the striker’s future remains uncertain, with Lineker suggesting that a transfer could be imminent if the right offer comes in.
Delap himself remains focused on helping Ipswich avoid relegation, but as his performances continue to turn heads, it seems increasingly likely that he could soon make a move to a Premier League giant.