Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has provided an update on striker Liam Delap’s future, confirming that no decision has been made yet and leaving open the possibility that the 22-year-old could remain at the club beyond this season.
Delap, who has caught attention for his performances in the Premier League, is a target for both Manchester United and Chelsea. United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly interested in strengthening his forward options and is eyeing both Delap and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. The club is said to be preparing to offload players in order to finance these moves.
Despite scoring 12 goals in 32 Premier League games this season, Delap has recently seen reduced game time due to a rib injury. As Ipswich prepares to face Newcastle United in a pivotal match that could confirm their relegation to the Championship, Delap’s future becomes even more uncertain. A drop to the second tier would activate a £30 million release clause in his contract.
Speaking ahead of the weekend clash, McKenna said:
“That’s not where certainly our focus is. I don’t think it’s where Liam’s focus is. His focus is on trying to get back to full health and get ready for Newcastle.
It’s a great game for him as it is for the rest of the boys never having played at that stadium before. I know he’s really looking forward to it.
Liam’s in the same boat as everyone else. He’s focused on the here and now, on the big games that we have and not too far in the future.
If we put mental energy into that, if any player put mental energy into that, then it would be impossible to provide what we’re going to need on Saturday.”
When asked about the transfer speculation linking Delap with Chelsea and Manchester United, McKenna replied:
“I don’t know who it would be accepted by because it’s not by myself or Ipswich.
His mindset isn’t there. Liam’s focus is still here and finishing the season as strong. And, as I’ve said before, I think there’s certainly a possibility that he’s an Ipswich player next year. So, I don’t think anyone’s decided on anything in anyone’s mind.”
He also praised Delap’s quality and potential:
“Can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can, I fully believe that.
He’s already shown the impact he can have at Premier League level in a team that has been fighting for everything. And I think he can have an outstanding impact at this level.
But he’s also very young and he’s playing his first season of Premier League football. He’s not played a huge amount of minutes as a leading striker in a team before. And he’s still learning and getting better all the time.
So, what’s right for Liam, what’s right for Ipswich, all those factors will come into play in the summer and the right decision will be made.
But he’s happy and he’s developing really well here. And he has the potential and I think he will in his career go on to do some really, really good things.”
When asked directly about Delap’s long-term future, McKenna added:
“That’s for conversations with the club, myself, Liam, his people and his family. So, I think that’s private.”
