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Liam Delap transfer: Prolific striker profiled as Newcastle United lose out on transfer to Chelsea.

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Newcastle United battled to sign Liam Delap in the summer transfer window but lost out to Chelsea.

The summer transfer window promises to be a big one for Newcastle United, who are set to have much more money to spend after recent PSR struggles.

Eddie Howe will need serious improvements to his squad if Newcastle are to compete on multiple fronts after sealing their place in the Champions League for next season.

More strength in depth is pivotal, especially in attacking areas where the Magpies are light on quality options outside the starting XI.

Newcastle have struggled on the hunt for their top attacking targets, though, having missed out on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro.

Liam Delap was the first big name they failed to sign as he joined Chelsea.

Here is everything you need to know about him.

Ipswich Town FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Who is Liam Delap?

Liam Rory Delap began his career at Derby County at just six years old. A decade later, he was snapped up by Manchester City in their relentless search for promising talent.

Delap immediately began to impress in City’s youth ranks, playing well above his age bracket and looking physically superior to the vast majority of his opponents.

He scored for fun at Under-18 and 21 level, catching the eye of Pep Guardiola, who gave him his senior debut when he was just 17. It took Delap just 18 minutes to score.

Delap joined the first-team squad permanently but game time dried up, with two unsuccessful loan spells at Stoke City and Preston North End following.

The 2023-24 campaign saw Delap fare much better in the Championship with Hull City as he hit double figures over the season.

Ipswich Town were impressed and signed him permanently to spearhead their return to the Premier League in 2024.

Delap proved he can score at the highest level, despite his side’s relegation. He is a powerful striker with a keen eye for goal.

Who is Liam Delap’s dad?

Liam Delap’s dad is Premier League cult hero Rory Delap, who was famous for his ridiculously long throw-ins for Stoke City. Delap Jr began his career at Derby as that’s where Snr was working at the time.

Liam Delap transfer news to Newcastle United

Howe would benefit from having another quality striker option alongside Alexander Isak next season, with Will Osula and Callum Wilson not great options off the bench. Delap could be the perfect addition.

Newcastle first started to be linked with Delap in October after he quickly began to impress in the top flight.

Unfortunately, other suitors soon took notice, with Chelsea emerging as a possible destination in the new year.

As it transpired, Delap opted to move to Stamford Bridge instead of Newcastle.

Liam Delap release clause

Delap has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract, which can be triggered after the side were relegated back to the Championship.

Liam Delap age

Delap was born in Winchester, England, on February 8, 2003. As of May 2025, he is 22 years old.

Liam Delap height

Delap stands at 6’1″ tall.

How much did Ipswich pay for Liam Delap from Man City?

Ipswich signed Delap from Manchester City in a £20m move upon their promotion to the Premier League.

Liam Delap stats

TeamGamesGoalsAssistsYellow cardsRed cards
Manchester City61010
Stoke City (loan)233060
Preston North End (loan)151020
Hull City (loan)328250
Ipswich Town (loan)40122130