Ex-Red urges Amorim to think twice before pursuing ‘intelligent’ target, it could prove ‘extremely dangerous’

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·28 aprile 2025

Ex-Red urges Amorim to think twice before pursuing ‘intelligent’ target, it could prove ‘extremely dangerous’

Ex-Red Louis Saha has urged INEOS to think twice before going all-out in their pursuit of Liam Delap this summer.

After gameweek 34’s results confirmed that Ipswich Town will be spending 2025/2026 in the Championship, Delap’s £30 million release clause has now become active for any club to trigger.

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Manchester United are said to be front-runners in the race for the forward’s signature, though he has garnered widespread interest across the top flight, including from Chelsea.

Reports have suggested that the 22-year-old is keen to ply his trade among Europe’s elite next season in the Champions League, which, of course, United can only offer if they reign victorious in the Europa League next month. Chelsea, on the other hand, sit fifth-placed in the table and are therefore well in the mix to secure their spot in the final four matches of the campaign.

Why United have set their sights on Delap

Delap has outscored both of United’s strikers this season. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Delap has enjoyed a career-best goalscoring season since swapping Manchester City for the Tractor Boys last summer. He made the move for £20m back in July 2024, meaning Ipswich will make a direct £10m profit after only one season of having the player in their ranks.

In his 33 top-flight appearances thus far, he has notched a respectable 12 goals and two assists – eight more goals than United’s current primary No.9, Rasmus Hojlund.

The England U21 international has recorded an average Sofascore rating of 6.91 in the league, which is pretty impressive, given how turbulent Ipswich’s year has been.

Yet, Saha is of the belief that a player like Delap isn’t the answer to Ruben Amorim’s goalscoring woes, despite him being one of the most clinical centre-forwards in the Premier League this term.

“It would be extremely dangerous, risky even, for United to put all their faith in a youngster like Liam Delap,” the Frenchman told Mega Dice, as cited by UtdDistrict.

“Even if he’s a quality player, for me, it’s a gamble that isn’t worth taking. It’s his first season, where he’s confirming his talent in the Premier League. We definitely can see his quality, and the guy is a very intelligent player for his age, but he’s still learning, and he’s understanding how to cope with certain types of tactics and certain types of pressure.

“Bringing in another youngster like Rasmus, even if he has the advantage of being in the Premier League already, I think it’s a gamble.”