Premier League

Southampton: Journalist believes Saints loan deal would make sense for Liam Delap

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Image for Southampton: Journalist believes Saints loan deal would make sense for Liam Delap

Tom Barclay of The Sun has claimed that Manchester City youngster and reported Southampton target Liam Delap is ‘gettable’ this summer.

The young striker received limited first-team minutes last season, making just three senior appearances in the entirety of the Premier League campaign. At 19, he must make game-time a priority, something he may be better off seeking in a loan move.

According to The Sun, Manchester City have rejected a £20 million bid for Delap from Southampton this summer. If the Saints offered a loan deal, however, then all parties would reap the benefits.

Delap would receive the needed minutes, in similar fashion to how Armando Broja did at Southampton last season. Meanwhile, Southampton would have their goal scorer, and Manchester City would have a young striker developing.

Speaking to GiveMeSport about Delap, Barclay said: “Delap does feel like someone that is gettable this summer because his chances are going to be limited at Man City. He’s also had injuries; he needs to go out and play games.

“You would think a loan would make most sense, but if City can get a good fee for him and include a buy-back clause, then that makes sense as well.”

TIF Thoughts on Barclay’s Comments…

We’d have to agree with Barclay when he says that you’d think a loan deal makes the most sense, given Delap’s position as an academy graduate. But, looking at the Manchester City squad, where does he get his chance, even in the long-term?

Manchester City have just signed Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, who are both 22. Meanwhile, Southampton are lacking the same firepower as last season, having waved goodbye to Broja, who returned to parent club Chelsea. The deal could make perfect sense for the Saints.

As of right now, Delap – who’s been hailed as an “absolute beast” – remains a Manchester City player. Whether or not that remains the case come the end of the window, remains to be seen, however.

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