‘Best decision for him’, ‘It’ll do him good’ – Man City fans react as club confirm Liam Delap transfer decision

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that striker Liam Delap is ready for a loan move this summer.

The 19-year-old striker has been tipped for great things as he has shown glimpses of his potential in the junior ranks at Manchester City.

Contracted until 2026, Delap is a big prize in a devastatingly good City youth side and Guardiola is already aware of just how talented the youngster is.

He is highly-rated by the Premier League champions but with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland added to their ranks in the summer, the England youth international is obviously going to find it very hard to get regular football.

City reportedly rejected a £16million bid from Southampton for Delap, with Stoke City the latest club to be credited with a chance of landing the highly-rated forward.

Guardiola now feels that the attacker – who netted 24 times in 20 games for City’s Elite Development Squad in 2020-21 – is at the stage where he needs senior football.

On the striker, Guardiola said: “We loaned (out) ‘Macca’ (James McAtee), Liam is in that process because we have Erling and Julian and he needs minutes. The EDS phase is done. He has to try and go there and play and the other ones. Luke Mbete, Rico and Josh will be with us.”

Burnley and Southampton are likely to be interested in the 19-year-old centre forward, who has scored one goal in four games for City’s senior side.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Best decision for him won’t get games over Haaland and Alvarez. Injury ruined his chances last year”
Credit: @CitySZN

“Just a Loan, no buy back option. People don’t realize how crazy this kid is. It’s just a shame that he picked that injury last year”
Credit: @eppajo_mcfc

“Be good for him to get some first team appearances at another prem club.”
Credit: @MCFCJake

“I don’t see Delap makes it here unfortunately”
Credit: @SollyyKun10

“Good to get some experience. Trying to get minutes against Haaland and Alvarez is very tough.”
Credit: @ftblyousef

“Premier League club please don’t wanna see him in the championship”
Credit: @Ayem47ii

“It’ll do him good to go and play for a big club.”
Credit: @stephen20349812