Agbonlahor shares why Delap must reject Man United for £30m West Ham move
West Ham United could be in the market for a striker this summer, and the perfect market opportunity may have now arisen.
The Hammers have been unlucky in terms of their centre-forward options this season. Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug have missed most of the season through injury, while Evan Ferguson is yet to make an impact following his loan move.
West Ham could look to strengthen in their attacking department this summer, with Graham Potter also keen to lower the average age of the squad.
Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap looks destined to move this summer, and West Ham have now been told to sign him.
Gabriel Agbonlahor encourages Delap to move to West Ham
Speaking on talkSPORT (8 April), pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed that Delap, who has interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, would be better served joining West Ham this summer.
“I’d take him over what [Man United have] got,” Agbonlahor stated about Delap.
“He’s better than [Rasmus] Hojlund, better than [Joshua] Zirkzee but if I’m Delap, well I’d tell him not to go there.
“It’s still negative there at Man United. Anyone who goes there bar [Bruno] Fernandes has been a disappointment in recent years.
“I would go to a different club, why not go to Arsenal? I could see him at Arsenal I really could. But has he done enough yet to warrant signing for a team that’s competing for the Premier League title? I don’t know.
| Stat | Liam Delap |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
“Does he take a step in-between that, you know like a West Ham.
“West Ham need a striker in the summer, [Evan] Ferguson is only loan isn’t he, so maybe a West Ham might suit him better. But I do really rate him.”
Liam Delap could suit West Ham
Delap has been outstanding in a struggling Ipswich side this season with 12 Premier League goals to his name, and is clearly ready to move up to a higher level.
The 22-year-old has a £30m relegation release clause in his contract, and with Ipswich almost certain to drop down to the Championship, he will be on the move.
Chelsea and Man United are both interested, and may be able to offer him European football, but it is questionable if he can make the step up to be the main striker at either club just yet.
At West Ham, he will gain regular playing time, and Potter can build his team around Delap as the focal point.
The problem West Ham face is that they may not be able to afford his fee without a major sale. With Fullkrug coming back from injury, it is also unclear whether such a fee will be spent on the front line.