There’s a lot of uncertainty over Liam Delap’s future at Manchester City this summer. The 18-year-old is highly rated and has proven himself at youth level, so decisions need to be made on how best to develop him this season.
Delap could benefit from first-team football but may not get that at Man City, so a loan move away could be an option. Stoke City are very keen to sign Delap, but Football League World say they’re now unsure whether Man City will loan him out or keep him around the first-team.
The England U18 international joined City from Derby County in 2019 and has made 17 appearances for the U18s (11 goals, seven assists), two appearances for the U19s, 24 appearances for the U23s (27 goals, seven assists) and three appearances in the first-team (one goal).
Delap has outgrown the reserves and now needs to take the next step, but is he better off joining a club like Stoke for a season or training with Man City’s senior squad?
Many called for Phil Foden to be loaned out to get first-team football in the past, but Pep Guardiola resisted and developed him in the senior squad. He was vindicated in his decision, but it remains to be seen if Delap will get the same treatment.