Manchester City’s decision to let Cole Palmer leave for Chelsea last summer is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook, especially as Palmer has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout players at Stamford Bridge. His development into a key figure at Chelsea contrasts sharply with his limited role at City, where he struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola. This growing regret at The Etihad is only exacerbated by City’s recent slump in form, which has included a string of five consecutive defeats, culminating in a heavy 4-0 loss to Tottenham.
Liam Delap: Another Potential Regret for City
The situation surrounding Liam Delap, another young talent who left Manchester City this summer, could be shaping up in a similar fashion. After being sold to Ipswich Town, Delap has impressed with six goals in 12 Premier League appearances, earning interest from top clubs like Chelsea, who have reportedly moved on from pursuing Alexander Isak.
Delap’s potential transfer to Chelsea could be problematic for City, particularly since they included a **buyback clause** in the £20million move that saw the striker leave for Portman Road. Given Delap’s rapid development in the Premier League, there’s growing concern at The Etihad that they could face a repeat of the Palmer situation, with a player who could have contributed significantly to their squad now thriving at a direct competitor.
Why Manchester City Could Reconsider Delap’s Departure
With Chelsea reportedly interested in Delap, Manchester City may be tempted to trigger the buyback clause to prevent him from moving to a rival. Delap has already shown he can succeed in the Premier League, and his performance at Ipswich suggests he could have a big future at a top club. If Delap moves to Chelsea and continues his rise, Manchester City could regret letting another promising talent slip through their fingers, especially considering the current issues they face with backup options for Erling Haaland.
City’s struggles with squad depth, particularly after Julian Alvarez’s high-profile move to Atletico Madrid, only make the buyback clause more attractive. Bringing Delap back could provide vital competition for Haaland and bolster their attacking options.
The Growing Appeal of Reversing the Delap Move
Given Delap’s current form and Chelsea’s interest, City may be increasingly inclined to activate the buyback clause to prevent him from flourishing at Stamford Bridge, where he could link up with Palmer. This scenario would not only provide City with a young and talented striker but would also prevent Chelsea from gaining a potential asset that could help them challenge Manchester City for major titles.
Ultimately, Delap’s success could be the catalyst that brings him back to Manchester City, as the club looks to avoid a repeat of the mistakes made with Cole Palmer. As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that City may have a big decision to make in the near future.
