CONFIRMED: Man Utd draw up SURPRISE Liam Delap Plan B

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 May 2025 09:25 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United will pursue a move for wantaway Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick should they miss out on Ipswich Town hotshot Liam Delap, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Red Devils are desperately scrambling to add a striker this summer. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to perform this season, and Ruben Amorim has made it clear that his side needs a reliable scorer.

Compared

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap

F (C), AM (R)

Ipswich Town

VS

Patrik Schick

F (C)

Bayer 04

Patrik Schick

F (C)

Bayer 04

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

36	Appearances	42
2	Assists	0
12	Goals	25

Matheus Cunha is set to arrive at Old Trafford to bolster the offensive ranks, but the Brazilian is viewed as a No.10 by Amorim. Despite the whopping €73 million outlay on Cunha, cash-strapped Man Utd will dip into the market to also add a traditional centre-forward.

Ipswich star Liam Delap is the club's top priority for that position as he is Premier League-proven and affordable, with a relegation release clause slashing his price to just €35 million.

However, Man Utd are far from the only club keen on the 22-year-old. Chelsea are seen as the favourites to land Delap, who is prioritising European football when it comes to choosing his next club.

Man Utd's Plan B

According to GIVEMESPORT, Man Utd could turn to Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick in the event that Delap indeed proves unattainable.

The Red Devils' interest in the Czech international has been public for a few weeks after German media revealed that director of recruitment Christopher Vivell had made contact with Schick.

The 29-year-old does not really fit Man Utd's new age profile, but there is an acceptance that he could be a reliable market opportunity as he is looking to leave Leverkusen this summer.

Schick has a tense relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso, and even the Spaniard's anticipated departure for Real Madrid is not expected to be enough to convince the striker to stay.

Man Utd, it is claimed, 'admire' Schick's goal record, with the striker having scored prolifically despite not being a guaranteed starter under Alonso. He has netted 25 times across 42 appearances so far this term, starting just 25 times.

Schick could cost up to €30m, making him significantly cheaper than some of the younger, more high-profile options on Man Utd's radar.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store