Liam Delap to Man Utd: Chelsea striker linked with stunning move – but is it the right one?

Robin Bairner

• 18 Feb 2026 08:45 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Liam Delap is the latest Premier League star to be linked with a summer move to Manchester United, but would a switch to Old Trafford be a smart move for the Chelsea hitman?

Delap has struggled for form since joining Chelsea in a €35.5 million deal from Ipswich this summer, and the 23-year-old is already being linked with a Stamford Bridge exit.

Man Utd have been earmarked as a “team to watch” in the transfer saga by CaughtOffside.

Delap’s transfer status at Chelsea

Chelsea have yet to reach a final decision over whether to sell Delap in the summer, but the indications are that the Stamford Bridge side are leaning towards allowing him to leave.

Sources have revealed that the West London side are already open to a potential loan with either an option or obligation to buy. Furthermore, several teams have already made their interest known.

Man Utd wanted to sign Delap last summer and one source close to the story has revealed: “Their admiration for the player hasn’t changed.”

Newcastle, Everton, Brighton and Sunderland are also listed as clubs that could swoop for the Chelsea striker come the summer.

Does a move to Man Utd make sense?

Delap is a strong fit for many Premier League clubs, but Manchester United are not one of his optimal options, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

Its Career Advice tool, which rates clubs on a variety of factors from playing time and development opportunities to formation and style, gives Man Utd a Club Fit score of 69. This ranks 13th among Premier League sides.

The main drawbacks for a move to United for Delap concern his potential development, which is given just one star and his playing opportunities.

According to SciSports’ data, Delap would only be the fourth-best centre-forward at the club, with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee (who may well leave at the end of the season), ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Englishman also has less potential than each member of this trio, meanwhile.

Aston Villa and Newcastle strong options

Aston Villa look a strong option for Delap, with Unai Emery’s side coming in with an excellent Club Fit score of 87. The Birmingham outfit’s financial restrictions are likely to prevent any serious summer interest, however.

Instead, Delap would do well to look at Newcastle as a serious option. With a Club Fit of 78, the Magpies rank as the best of those teams who are said to have a serious interest in him. This is, however, dependent on Eddie Howe remaining at the club.

The manager’s style and formation is thought to be perfect for the striker, who would get modest playing time in competition with Luca Woltemade.

Delap heading into a crucial period

With four months remaining until the summer transfer window, much can happen in the future of Delap.

While Chelsea could yet opt to retain the No.9, the direction that Man Utd choose to take with their next managerial appointment will also play a big role in shaping whether moving to Old Trafford is a smart next step for a striker whose career could use a reboot.

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