Manchester United Eye Alternatives After £30m Liam Delap Setback

Manchester United are set to miss out on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who prefers a Chelsea move. With his £30m release clause activated, United are now targeting alternatives like Brentford’s Yoane Wissa (19 PL goals), Crystal Palace’s Mateta (14), free agent Jonathan David (109 goals for Lille), and Napoli's Victor Osimhen (36 goals on loan at Galatasaray).

After the collapse of their pursuit of Liam Delap, who is now leaning towards a move to Chelsea before the U21 Euros, Manchester United are forced to look elsewhere for a striker this summer. Delap, available for £30 million after Ipswich's relegation, scored 12 Premier League goals last season and has attracted interest from Everton and Newcastle as well.

With the deal falling through, MEN identified four realistic alternatives. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 league goals in 2024, is a strong option, outscoring even teammate Bryan Mbeumo. Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, with 14 league goals and an all-round game, is another candidate, although Palace’s Europa League qualification could complicate matters.

Jonathan David, available on a free after leaving Lille, offers a prolific record with 109 goals in 232 games, but his Champions League pedigree makes him a tough target without European football. Victor Osimhen, who netted 36 goals for Galatasaray this season, is reportedly available for around €40 million, but Saudi interest and United’s lack of European competition could prove obstacles.