Burnley are reportedly among the clubs interested in Liam Delap, who is set to leave Manchester City in the coming days.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are ready to sanction the departure of Liam Delap. The Premier League champions want the forward to move elsewhere in order to gain some valuable experience in professional football. Burnley are among the clubs who have proposed a loan deal for the youngster, as they look to shore up their options in the attacking unit.
A centre-forward by trade, Delap is highly regarded as one of the most gifted players to come out of the Manchester City academy since Phil Foden. The young forward was destined for great things when he initially made his breakthrough in 2020, but he has failed to maintain his growth since.
Due to the immense competition at the Etihad, Delap has struggled to gain regular game-time over the past couple of years. He notably made only one Premier League appearance during the 2021/22 campaign, and his overall appearances for Manchester City stand at six.
Delap’s slowed progress and lack of game-time have convinced Manchester City to sanction a loan deal for the youngster this summer. Not to mention, the Premier League champions have roped in Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, while Argentine ace Julian Alvarez was signed from River Plate in January.
Burnley’s interest in Liam Delap is hardly surprising as the Clarets have appointed Vincent Kompany. The former Manchester City captain is well aware of the Manchester City academy and believes Delap has what it takes to become a success at Turf Moor next season.
Standing at 1.86m, the 19-year-old offers the physical presence inside the box that could prove to be handy in helping Burnley replace Wout Weghorst. The Dutchman had joined the Clarets in January, but following the club’s relegation to the EFL Championship, he has joined Besiktas.
It has left a massive void in the club’s goalscoring unit, and that is where Liam Delap comes into the fray. The teenage sensation offers immense potential and could succeed under a manager who knows him well and at a club that can offer him regular game-time.
Burnley are not the only club interested in Delap, though, with the striker also courted by Southampton. However, the Saints are looking for a permanent deal, which potentially makes Burnley the top contenders. Manchester City are yet to decide on the future of their youth prospect, but a definitive decision might come in the next few days.
