Fabrizio Romano: Liam Delap Has Secret Meeting With Manchester United
In a development that could significantly shape Manchester United’s attacking future, renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liam Delap, one of England’s most promising young strikers, has held a “secret meeting” with Manchester United officials regarding a potential summer transfer.
The 21-year-old forward, currently on Manchester City’s books but on loan at Hull City this past season, has drawn considerable attention with his powerful performances in the Championship. Romano’s report, typically a reliable source in the world of transfers, has added fuel to the speculation that United are seeking an under-the-radar, high-potential alternative to ease the goal-scoring burden on Rasmus Højlund.
This news has taken the football world by surprise — not just because of the inter-city rivalry, but due to the strategic and symbolic implications of Manchester United pursuing a City player. Let’s dive into the full story, the context, the player profile, and what this could mean for the Red Devils going forward.
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Who is Liam Delap?
Liam Delap, son of former Premier League midfielder Rory Delap, is a striker whose game is built on physicality, work rate, and intelligent movement. Standing at 6’1”, he combines raw athleticism with a poacher’s instinct, a rare blend in young forwards.
Age: 21
Position: Centre-forward
Current Club: Manchester City (contracted), loaned to Hull City (2024/25 season)
Championship Stats: 11 goals, 6 assists in 32 appearances
International: England U21
Delap came through Derby County’s youth system before being poached by Manchester City in 2019. He made a strong impression in City’s youth ranks and even scored on his senior debut in a 2–1 Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth in 2020.
However, his path into the City first team has been blocked by elite talent like Erling Haaland and Julián Álvarez, leading to successive loan spells — first at Stoke, then Preston, and most recently Hull City, where he finally enjoyed a breakout season.
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The Secret Meeting: What We Know
According to Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive on his Daily Briefing platform, representatives from Manchester United met discreetly with Liam Delap’s camp in late May, just days after United secured their place in the Europa League final.
> “Manchester United have made contact with Liam Delap’s representatives. A private meeting took place to discuss the player’s situation and long-term vision,” Romano reported.
He clarified that this wasn’t yet a formal bid, but described the meeting as “an exploratory step with serious intent.”
Sources suggest that United’s new sporting leadership — led by Dan Ashworth (incoming director of football) and Jason Wilcox (technical director) — were involved in orchestrating the meeting, viewing Delap as a smart, long-term addition rather than a marquee headline-grabber.
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Why United Are Interested
Manchester United’s interest in Liam Delap is rooted in both tactical and strategic reasoning:
1. Depth Behind Højlund
United have leaned heavily on Rasmus Højlund this season, and while the Danish striker has shown great promise, injuries and inconsistency have exposed United’s lack of depth in the No. 9 role. Anthony Martial’s departure this summer creates a vacuum, and Delap could be a cost-effective, high-upside reinforcement.
2. Homegrown Talent Mandate
INEOS and the incoming football leadership are prioritizing young, British players with potential resale value. Delap, a homegrown player, fits perfectly into that vision.
3. Tactical Fit
Under Rúben Amorim (or whoever leads United in the new era), pressing, transition, and verticality will be key. Delap’s work rate off the ball, combined with his direct attacking style, makes him an ideal squad fit for a pressing system.
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What About Manchester City?
The potential of a direct transfer from City to United is intriguing — and rare. Transfers between the two clubs are almost unheard of, with the most notable example in recent decades being Carlos Tevez’s controversial move in 2009, albeit under unique circumstances.
Romano noted that City may be open to selling, but not to strengthening a direct rival without extracting a premium fee.
> “City’s position remains cautious — they would prefer to sell Delap abroad or to a non-direct rival, but are aware of interest from several Premier League clubs, including United,” Romano added.
A price tag of £20–25 million has been speculated, which could represent good value for a young striker with top-flight potential.
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Delap’s View: Looking for a Pathway
From Delap’s perspective, a move to Manchester United could offer something City hasn’t: a clear pathway to first-team football. Despite his loyalty to City’s development project, there’s a sense that the door to their senior squad is all but closed.
His loan to Hull this season gave him consistent starts and the opportunity to lead the line. But he’ll want to take the next step — to a Premier League club where he can grow under top-level coaching and pressure.
If United can offer a rotational role with real progression, Delap may see it as the right move, despite the rivalry.
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Reaction from Fans and Media
The news of the secret meeting has sent shockwaves across both fan bases.
United Fans: Some see it as a clever, strategic move in line with INEOS’ vision of signing young, hungry players. Others remain skeptical, questioning whether Delap is of the level required for a club of United’s stature.
City Fans: Reactions have been mixed — while Delap was once considered a future star, his path to the senior team seems blocked, and many accept a move might be best. However, selling to United could spark backlash.
Pundits like Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards have weighed in, with Carragher praising United for “identifying a smart market inefficiency” while Richards warned City: “Don’t give them ammunition — Delap will be motivated, and if he hits the ground running, you’ve made a rival stronger.”
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What Happens Next?
Fabrizio Romano’s report indicates that formal negotiations are not yet underway, but the meeting suggests United are seriously considering a move. Expect the following in the coming weeks:
1. United to consult Amorim (or new manager) on how Delap fits tactically.
2. City to set an asking price or open an auction with other suitors like Everton, West Ham, or Southampton.
3. Delap’s camp to evaluate guaranteed playing time and development pathway over brand or money.
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Conclusion: A Quiet Game-Changer?
While not the kind of deal that grabs global headlines, the potential transfer of Liam Delap to Manchester United could be a quiet masterstroke. At just 21, he still has years to develop, and under the right coaching and conditions, he could become a vital figure in United’s next-generation project.
If the deal happens, it will symbolize a new United — one that’s smarter, more forward-thinking, and unafraid to shop in unconventional places — even if it means crossing enemy lines to do so.
As F
abrizio Romano concluded in his report:
“This one might fly under the radar for now, but it’s worth keeping a very close eye on.”
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