City’s decision to let Cole Palmer join Chelsea last summer is becoming harder to ignore, especially as Palmer has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout players at Stamford Bridge.
His rise at Chelsea contrasts sharply with his limited role at City, where he struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola. This growing regret at the Etihad is made worse by City’s recent poor form, which has included five consecutive defeats, culminating in a heavy 4-0 loss to Tottenham.
Liam Delap: Another Potential Mistake for City
Liam Delap, another young talent who left Manchester City this summer, could be heading for a similar scenario.
After his move to Ipswich Town, Delap has impressed with six goals in 12 Premier League appearances, attracting interest from top clubs like Chelsea, who have reportedly moved on from pursuing Alexander Isak.
Delap’s potential move to Chelsea could create problems for City, particularly as the £20 million deal included a buyback clause.
Given Delap’s rapid development, there’s increasing concern that City could face another situation like Palmer’s, with a player who might have been a valuable contributor to their squad now thriving at a direct competitor.
Why City Might Reconsider Delap’s Departure
With Chelsea reportedly keen on Delap, City could be tempted to activate the buyback clause to prevent him from joining a rival.
Delap has already demonstrated his ability in the Premier League, and his strong performances at Ipswich suggest he could have a bright future at a top club. If Delap moves to Chelsea and continues his progress, City may regret letting another promising player slip away, especially as they face issues with backup options for Erling Haaland.
City’s depth problems, particularly after Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid, make the buyback clause even more appealing. Bringing Delap back could provide essential competition for Haaland and strengthen their attacking options.
The Growing Case for Reversing the Delap Move
Given Delap’s current form and Chelsea’s interest, City may increasingly consider activating the buyback clause to prevent him from thriving at Stamford Bridge, where he could partner with Palmer.
This would not only give City a young, talented striker but also prevent Chelsea from gaining a potential asset that could help them challenge City for major titles.
Ultimately, Delap’s success might be the key factor in bringing him back to Manchester City as they look to avoid repeating their mistake with Cole Palmer.
As the situation develops, it’s clear that City faces an important decision in the near future.
