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Liam Delap is a name that has been circulating in English football circles for a few years now and with good reason. He is the subject of a big move this summer, and here is everything you need to know about him.
The powerful striker, who came through the ranks at Manchester City, has been tipped as one of the brightest young forwards in the country. Known for his physical presence, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate, Delap has steadily built a reputation as a future Premier League regular.
Who is Liam Delap?
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Liam Delap is an English striker; standing at around 6 feet 1 inch, he combines the physical strength of a traditional number nine with the mobility and energy of a modern forward. His style has drawn comparisons to players like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, though Delap is still developing.
Football runs in the family. He is the son of former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, famously known for his long throw-ins during his Stoke City days.
Liam Delap Age
Born on February 8, 2003, Liam Delap is 22 years old as of May 2025. Despite still being quite young, he already has experience playing in the Championship and has spent time in some of England’s top academies. For a player his age, he has shown maturity in both his style and his career choices.
Liam Delap Early Career and Youth Development
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Delap started his youth career at Derby County, where he began making a name for himself as a physically dominant attacker with a natural scoring touch. It was not long before the scouts came calling. In 2019, he made the move to Manchester City’s academy, and his development stepped up another level.
At City, he thrived in the U18 and U23 setups, regularly scoring goals and catching the attention of Pep Guardiola. His breakout moment came in September 2020, when he scored a stunning debut goal for City’s senior team in an EFL Cup match against Bournemouth.
Liam Delap Club Career
After that memorable debut for City, many fans thought Delap would be fast-tracked into the first team. But with fierce competition up front and the club signing Erling Haaland, game time was limited. To continue his development, City sent him out on loan.
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He had spells at Stoke City, Preston North End, and later Hull City, where he began to show more of his potential. At Hull, he stood out with his hold-up play, aerial ability, and improved movement in the box. Though injuries slowed him down at times, he still managed to put together a strong campaign, scoring key goals and earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
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Delap joined newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town in July 2024 on a permanent deal worth up to £20 million on a five-year contract. It was at Ipswich he showed the league that he is a solid striker, bagging 12 goals in 37 league matches.
Liam Delap’s Move to Chelsea
Delap’s switch to Chelsea came as a bit of a surprise due to the Blues' crowded attacking line.
Chelsea reportedly secured the deal after Delap made it clear he wanted regular top-flight football. With new manager Enzo Maresca (formerly at Leicester) promising to give youth a real chance, the move made sense.
He joined Chelsea after the Blues triggered his £30 million release clause, rejecting a move to Manchester United and Everton.
Liam Delap's Playing Style
Delap is a classic centre-forward with a modern twist. He is strong in the air, good with his back to goal, and can hold off defenders with ease. But he is also mobile, happy to chase lost causes, press from the front, and drag centre-backs out of position.
His finishing has improved steadily over the years. He has also become better at linking play, showing flashes of intelligent movement and sharper decision-making in the final third.
Liam Delap International Career
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Delap has featured for England at various youth levels, including the U16s, U18s, and U20s. He was also part of the England U21 squad and is seen as a potential future senior international.
Though he is yet to make his debut for the senior Three Lions, consistent performances in the Premier League could earn him a call-up, especially with Thomas Tuchel’s focus on youth and form.
Liam Delap Honours
England U19 – UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2022
Liam Delap Salary
As of the 2024–25 season, Delap earns an estimated £20,000 per week, according to Capology, amounting to £1,040,000 annually, playing for Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Reports suggest that he might be earning around £100,000 after his move to Chelsea.
Liam Delap Net Worth
Delap's net worth is estimated at between £3.5 million and £5 million, reflecting his earnings from professional football contracts, endorsements, and performance bonuses.
At 22 years old, Delap's financial profile is poised for significant growth, especially with his anticipated transfer to Chelsea.
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The move, reportedly valued at £30 million, coupled with higher wage expectations, is set to substantially increase his net worth in the coming years.
As he continues to establish himself in the Premier League, Delap's market value and financial standing are expected to rise accordingly.
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