Stoke City are poised to sign Manchester City youngster Liam Delap on a season-long loan, according to a report by The Athletic.
Delap joined the Cityzens’ academy in 2019, and earned his first professional contract a year later. On September 24, 2020, he made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup fixture against Bournemouth, scoring the opening goal in the 18th minute. He has struggled for game time since then, playing only 48 minutes in the league.
Last month, the England youth international signed a new three-year contract at Man City, leading some to believe that he was part of Pep Guardiola’s plans for the season. However, given the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, he was always going to be far down the pecking order.
A number of Championship clubs have reportedly expressed interest in taking the teenager in on loan. Burnley, managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, were linked, as well as West Bromwich Albion.
But it seems that they have lost the race for the forward. The Athletic claims that Stoke City are on the verge of announcing a loan deal for Delap.
The 19-year-old will become the Potters’ ninth signing of the transfer window, and their second up front. Last month, they brought in Dwight Gayle on a free transfer from Newcastle United.
There is some sentiment to the signing as well. Delap is the son of former footballer Rory Delap, who made over 200 appearances for Stoke from 2006 to 2013. He has worked at the club since 2018 as a coach.
Michael O’Neill’s men have had a difficult start to the new campaign. They defeated Blackpool in their only home game so far, but fell to defeat against Millwall, Morecambe, and Huddersfield Town.
