credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 29 April 2025 13:10, UK

Aston Villa could break the bank to sign Liam Delap in the summer as they look to bolster their forward line.

The England under-21 international has been electric for the Tractor Boys despite their relegation from the Premier League this season.

This has made the 22-year-old one of the most sought-after players in the division ahead of the transfer window, with a move to Villa Park potentially on the cards.

This could spark a busy transfer window in B6 for Unai Emery as there also looks set to be a number of outgoing players ahead of the new campaign.

Delap transfer preference emerges at Aston Villa

There is plenty of hype surrounding the former Manchester City youngster who has certainly been a bright spark in the Premier League this season.

To score 12 and assist two for a side who have struggled as much as Ipswich have is certainly an excellent achievement.

As a result, a move to Villa would make perfect sense, especially if Marcus Rashford was to depart in a return to Manchester United.

This looks likely after the forward picked up an injury, which could see him be ruled out for the rest of the campaign at Villa Park.

Ben Foster has suggested that Emery would now prefer to sign Delap over the England international, given they are likely to cost the same amount.

Speaking on the Football Fill-In (29 April), he said: “Here’s a question, you’ve got a £40million release clause for Liam Delap or £40m for Marcus Rashford, who are you signing?

Former England coach Dave Watson cut in to add: “Liam Delap, all day.”

Continuing on, Foster added: “I think in this scenario, I think virtually every team will be looking and saying, ‘Should we get Liam Delap?’ Because even if you want him as the main man or to blood him for a year or two, he fits all the bills. It’s interesting.”

Delap could be better than Rashford at Aston Villa

It does feel as if the Villans need an alternative for Ollie Watkins after his “fuming” admission and struggles at times this campaign.

This has often been Rashford this season since signing from United, but that doesn’t look likely to continue beyond the summer.

As a result, introducing Delap at Villa Park could prove to be wise given his pace, power and eye for goal which have served him so well this season.

There is also every chance that this sort of talent could work well with Morgan Rogers behind him, who has often struggled with Watkins alongside him.

It will be interesting to see if a deal for the young Englishman can be pushed through and what that means for Rashford and Watkins.