Why Liam Delap Could Be Liverpool’s Ideal Striker Signing | OneFootball

Would Liam Delap Be the Perfect Summer Signing?

As Arne Slot looks to reshape Liverpool’s squad for the future, attention is turning to the need for a long-term solution at centre forward. The transitional phase following Jürgen Klopp’s departure has seen the Reds take a measured approach in the transfer market, opting for stability rather than wholesale change. Despite calls from sections of the fanbase for a marquee striker signing in the summer of 2024, the club instead prioritised continuity, with only Federico Chiesa arriving as a first-team addition. However, with Slot’s tactical evolution in full swing and Liverpool in contention for major honours, the upcoming summer transfer window of 2025 presents an opportunity to address a key position in the squad.

One name that has quietly emerged as a viable target is Liam Delap, the powerful young striker currently making waves at Ipswich Town. The former Manchester City academy star has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Championship, showcasing the physicality, technical ability, and relentless pressing that would make him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s frontline. As the Reds look to refine their attacking options, Delap’s profile as a robust, hardworking, and tactically intelligent striker makes him a compelling long-term solution for Slot’s evolving system.

Liam Delap

Club – Ipswich Town

Nationality – England

Age – 22 years old

DOB – 08/02/2003

Playing Positions – CF

Preferred Foot – Right

Height – 6ft 1inch

Weight – 80kg

2024/25 Appearances – 31 games

2024/25 Minutes – 2,250minutes

2024/25 Goals & Assists – 10 & 2

Contract Expiry – June 30, 2027

England U21 Caps – 10 games

England U21 Goals – 2

Transfermarkt Value – €35m

Projected Cost of Deal – €45m

A Perfect Fit for Slot’s System

Liam Delap possesses the attributes that make him an enticing prospect for Liverpool’s attack. At 6ft 1in, he provides a strong physical presence that allows him to dominate defenders and hold up play effectively—an essential trait in Slot’s high-pressing, fast-transition system. His blend of strength, speed, and intelligent movement makes him a constant threat, both in the box and in link-up play.

Delap’s pressing ability is another key factor in why he could thrive under Slot. Having been schooled in the Manchester City academy, the striker developed a tactical awareness that enables him to press intelligently rather than waste energy chasing lost causes. His work rate and intensity mirror the attributes seen in some of the best forwards to play in a high-energy Liverpool system, making him a potential successor to the likes of Diogo Jota or Darwin Núñez.

A Natural Finisher with Room to Grow

One of the most impressive aspects of Delap’s game is his finishing ability. This season at Ipswich, he has demonstrated a keen eye for goal, scoring in a variety of ways—powerful strikes from the edge of the box, composed finishes in one-on-one situations, and clinical headers from set-pieces. His 19-goal tally in the Championship is a testament to his growing composure and technical refinement.

Additionally, his seven assists highlight his ability to bring teammates into play, an essential skill for a striker in a Liverpool system that demands fluidity and interplay among the front three. While Delap is still developing, his current trajectory suggests he has the potential to evolve into an elite-level forward. Under the guidance of Slot and Liverpool’s coaching staff, his all-round game could reach new heights.

The Long-Term Centre Forward Solution?

Liverpool’s current forward line has question marks surrounding its long-term composition. Darwin Núñez has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent, while Diogo Jota’s injury record continues to be a concern. Luis Díaz’s future is also uncertain, with speculation linking him with a move away. The Reds will need to reinforce their attacking options, and rather than pursuing an expensive superstar signing, investing in a young, high-potential striker like Delap could be a smarter approach.

A projected fee of €45m for Delap represents good value in today’s market, particularly when compared to the astronomical sums demanded for established strikers. His age, homegrown status, and familiarity with English football further add to his appeal as a long-term investment. Liverpool have often thrived when identifying and developing talents before they reach their peak, and Delap fits that profile perfectly.

Final Thoughts

As Liverpool continue their evolution under Arne Slot, the search for a reliable and dynamic striker will be a crucial aspect of the club’s summer plans. Liam Delap’s profile as a physically imposing, hardworking, and tactically intelligent forward makes him an ideal candidate to lead the line at Anfield for years to come. With the right development and an opportunity at the highest level, the Ipswich star could be the perfect long-term solution to Liverpool’s centre-forward conundrum.

If Slot and his recruitment team are looking for a striker who embodies the pressing intensity, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct required to thrive in this Liverpool side, then Liam Delap might just be the answer.