Manchester United Reach Agreement in Principle for Liam Delap Amidst Growing Interest from Premier League RivalsManchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, as the club intensifies efforts to strengthen its attacking line ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to a report by ESPN, United have settled on the broad framework of a deal and are now awaiting the final decision from the player himself.
However, competition for Delap’s signature is fierce. Premier League rivals Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle United have also expressed concrete interest and remain in close contact with the striker’s representatives.
-United Accelerate Attacking Reinforcements After Disappointing SeasonFollowing a deeply underwhelming campaign under new manager Rúben Amorim—one that saw Manchester United finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time in over a decade—the club has begun an aggressive squad overhaul.
Strengthening the attack has emerged as a top priority, especially as current forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee continue to struggle with consistency and form.Liam Delap, viewed by many within the club as a high-upside addition, has now become a leading target in United’s rebuilding plans.-
Details of the Deal and Where Things StandPer ESPN’s reporting, Manchester United have structured a proposed deal worth approximately £30 million, matching the value of Delap’s release clause. The club has formally communicated its intention to Ipswich Town and now awaits a decision from the 21-year-old forward, who has held talks with multiple clubs in recent weeks.
Delap emerged as a standout performer during Ipswich’s ultimately unsuccessful campaign to avoid relegation, earning praise for both his professionalism and his ability to make an impact under pressure. Despite the club’s struggles, he was a consistent bright spot, with teammate Jens Cajuste even describing him as “phenomenal” during a post-match interview late in the season.
Heavy Competition from Premier League ContendersManchester United are by no means alone in their pursuit. Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle United have also registered strong interest and are engaged in ongoing conversations with the player’s camp.
Notably, Chelsea and Newcastle can offer Champions League football next season—an advantage that could weigh heavily in Delap’s decision-making process.
The striker, who began his career in the Manchester City academy, is reportedly assessing potential destinations based on multiple factors, including the likelihood of regular first-team football, the quality of the project on offer, and the opportunity to continue developing at the highest level.
United’s Attack Set for Major RestructuringLiam Delap is just one part of a broader recruitment push by Manchester United, who have already agreed terms with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.
These moves are part of a wider strategy being driven by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new sporting director Dan Ashworth, both of whom are determined to reshape United’s squad and inject fresh energy into the forward line.
With the current strike force underperforming, the club aims to bolster its attacking depth through multiple acquisitions, hoping to return to the top tier of English football as quickly as possible.
That said, Delap’s decision will likely hinge on the assurances he receives from United regarding his role within the squad.
Despite the prestige of a move to Old Trafford, the 21-year-old will want clarity on whether he is viewed as a long-term starter or part of a rotational system competing for minutes behind more senior players.-
–ConclusionManchester United have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Liam Delap, reaching a preliminary agreement on the financial framework of a deal.
Yet, with interest mounting from domestic rivals and the player carefully weighing his next move, the race for his signature remains wide open.
If United can provide the right guarantees and convince Delap of his importance to Amorim’s project, they may yet win the battle for one of England’s most promising young strikers.-
