Liam Delap to West Ham: ‘No brainer’ verdict emerges amid £30m development
Liam Delap has been linked with a move to West Ham after a stunning season in the Premier League with Ipswich Town.
The 22-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in the summer and has been the shining light in a difficult campaign for the Norfolk outfit.
This has seen the England under-21 international be linked heavily with a move away from Portman Road ahead of their inevitable relegation.
The Hammers appear to be in the running to land the striker in the summer as Graham Potter looks to make his presence felt at the London Stadium.
Ben Foster assesses Delap to West Ham
The former Manchester City youngster has been one of the standout talents in the entire division this season and is destined for a summer move.
This comes after the forward has netted 12 goals and assisted two in the Premier League despite playing for the side placed third from bottom.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Liam Delap |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 2 |
Delap has a superb combination of pace, strength and raw ability, which would make him an asset for almost any side in the entire division.
After the failings of Evan Ferguson while on loan from Brighton, there is no doubt that a new number nine will be required in East London.
This could see the Irons make a swoop to pay the £30million release clause for the Englishman, but Foster is unsure whether the move would be possible.
Speaking on the Football Fill-In (22 April), co-host Tom Ochoa said: “West Ham are good payers, aren’t they? So, Delap would be a good signing for them.”
Former Manchester United keeper Foster responded: “If West Ham sign Liam Delap in the summer, then that is the signing of the season.
“It’s not happening, by the way, definitely not happening. He’ll go to one of the big boys, it’s a no-brainer. £30m quid is no risk whatsoever.”
West Ham may fail in Delap transfer bid
The Irons look to be in dire need of a striker ahead of the new campaign after what has been a largely difficult season in front of goal.
Jarrod Bowen has often been asked to play as a number nine, but that doesn’t necessarily get the best out of the England international.
Potter does have the option of Niclas Fullkrug, who has recently returned from a lengthy list of injury problems, but another option is needed.
There is no doubt that Potter would be an ideal asset under Potter, given his undoubted potential and already apparent ability.
His pace and physicality upfront for the Hammers could transform the style of play under the English head coach, with the likes of Bowen and Lucas Paqueta around him.