Alan Shearer has advised Liverpool to consider Ipswich forward Liam Delap as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, warning that “big clubs will be after him.”
With potential exits for Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool are preparing for a crucial summer transfer window. Nunez has struggled for a consistent starting role under Arne Slot, featuring in only eight Premier League starts while making 15 appearances from the bench.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan is now linked with a possible exit, with reports suggesting interest from Saudi clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. As speculation grows, Slot could already be planning for life without Nunez, with Liverpool expected to explore potential replacements in the summer transfer window.
Shearer believes Delap, who has also been linked with Manchester United, could be a strong option for the Reds after scoring ten goals for Ipswich, who are set for Championship football next season.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the former Newcastle striker said: “Liverpool are going to need a centre-forward. They might try and move Nunez on and bring someone else into that position. There will be big football clubs after Delap I’m sure of that.”
Delap, son of former Stoke City star Rory, has enjoyed a standout breakthrough season in the Premier League after starting his career at Manchester City. Following an eight-goal campaign on loan at Hull City, Ipswich Town invested £20 million ($25.8M) in him, securing a five-year contract.
Now, with interest from United and Chelsea, Delap could command a £40 million ($51.6M) fee. Shearer and Gary Lineke r believe he has the potential to become one of England’s top strikers, possibly succeeding Harry Kane in the future.
(Image: Getty Images)
“The (England) Under-21’s played tonight (Friday), it sounds like an amazing game, they lost 5-3 to France who’ve obviously got great youngsters as well,” said Lineker.
“Liam Delap did score one of the goals – I like him, I think he’s, you know, Harry’s still going strong at the moment but I think it was probably a deliberate ploy from Tuchel not to put him in the squad.
Shearer agreed with Lineker’s assessment, predicting that Delap will feature for the England national team in the future saying: “I think Liam Delap will be one that we’ll see in the squad – it’ll be different between now and 18 months’ time.
“I think, without a doubt, he’ll be one that – if he stays away from injury and if his career keeps going on the way that he’s going at the minute, he’s in a really struggling side at Ipswich – but he’s one of the standouts in their team I think he’ll be one, without a doubt, for the future – I’m confident in saying that.”
