Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League after 22 years has not gone quite according to plan with the club sitting in 19th place on the league table after 24 games. However, star striker Liam Delap has received praise from fans and critics alike for his performances this campaign.
The Manchester City academy graduate made the switch to Ipswich last summer for a reported fee of £20 million including add-ons. He has more than justified the sum with his contributions, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances in the league so far.
The Ipswich ace has attracted serious attention from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal with his displays this season, according to BBC. All three clubs have missed a clinical forward up front this campaign, and view Delap as the answer to their problems.
Delap chose to move to Ipswich Town this summer as he felt it was the perfect place for him to get playing time and develop as a player despite interest from other clubs.
“I spoke to [manager] Kieran McKenna and that put my head straight. I wanted to come and play. I didn’t want to go somewhere I didn’t feel I’d play and develop. I felt here gave me best chance to develop and become a better player. You have a gut feeling and have to trust your judgement,” said the striker in conversation with BBC Football Focus.
While Delap is only 22 years old and still has a lot of development to do, if Ipswich Town were to be relegated by the end of the season, it will be unlikely that they could hold on to him with so many top clubs lurking.
Manchester City are understood to have a buy-back clause for Delap alongside a 20 per cent sell-on if he moves to another club.
With his impressive performances, Delap won’t just be attracting interest from other clubs, but also England gaffer Thomas Tuchel. The new Three Lions boss will be naming his first squad in the next month for the World Cup qualifier double header against Albania and Latvia.
While his father and ex-Stoke City player Rory Delap is a Republic of Ireland citizen, Liam has played for England at the youth level in the past and has earlier voiced his dream of representing them at a senior level.
“When I set out I always wanted to play in the Premier League and represent my country. It’s an honour to play for your country. I just let the football do the talking. If it comes, it comes, and if it doesn’t I just keep working,” remarked Delap.