WHERE DID THIS COME FROM Pep has only ever signed a former player twice in his career. He’s been keeping an eye on the lad. Things could move quickly here!

Manchester City are once again at the center of a transfer storm after new reports claimed that Pep Guardiola’s side are planning a stunning move to bring back one of their former academy players. It’s a story that has caught the attention of fans across England, not only because of the player involved but also because of what it says about the current state of the Manchester City project. The reigning Premier League champions are facing one of their toughest periods since Guardiola took charge in 2016, and the move to re-sign Liam Delap could represent both a practical solution and a symbolic one — a return to roots, a reminder of the academy’s strength, and a quiet admission that not all departures are permanent in football

The last few months have been a nightmare for Guardiola and his players. Manchester City, a team so dominant in recent years, have suddenly looked lost, human, and even fragile. Five consecutive defeats across all competitions have sent shockwaves through the football world. From the outside, it feels unthinkable — the mighty City, the machine that conquered Europe, suddenly struggling to find rhythm, confidence, and consistency. The latest humiliation came against Tottenham Hotspur, who destroyed City 4-0 at the Etihad. It was one of those nights that make even the most loyal fans sit in silence. James Maddison scored twice in the first half to stun the home supporters, Pedro Porro added another shortly after halftime, and Brennan Johnson’s late strike completed a ruthless demolition job.

That result left City trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by eight points. Arne Slot’s Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 on the same weekend, and that victory widened the gap at the top. For Guardiola, it was another painful reminder that football changes fast. Just months ago, City were unstoppable — treble winners, world champions, admired everywhere. Now, suddenly, they look like a team searching for identity and solutions.

The problems go beyond form. City’s attack has looked blunt, one-dimensional even. Erling Haaland remains the club’s main striker, but without Julian Álvarez — who was sold to Atlético Madrid during the summer — there’s little depth in that position. Haaland, for all his goals, cannot carry the entire burden alone, and Guardiola has been forced to improvise, using midfielders and wingers in unfamiliar roles. That is where the idea of re-signing Liam Delap enters the picture.

Delap is not just any former City player. He is a product of their academy — a powerful striker who joined from Derby County in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself with his pace, aggression, and eye for goal. For years, City fans believed he was the next big thing. He made six senior appearances under Guardiola and even scored once, showing glimpses of a bright future. But in typical Manchester City fashion, with a squad stacked with world-class talent, opportunities were limited. Delap spent time on loan at Stoke City, Preston North End, and Hull City before eventually leaving permanently last summer. His destination was newly promoted Ipswich Town, who paid a reported £20 million to bring him in on a five-year deal.

Few expected what came next. Delap exploded into life at Ipswich, adapting to Premier League football with confidence and maturity. Six goals in his first few months have made him one of the most exciting young strikers in the league. He’s been powerful, direct, and clinical — a nightmare for defenders. His performances have not gone unnoticed, especially in Manchester.

According to *Football Insider*, Manchester City have been keeping a very close eye on Delap’s progress. The report revealed that when City sold him to Ipswich, they cleverly inserted a buy-back clause in the deal, allowing them to bring him back if they choose to. There’s also a sell-on clause, meaning City would benefit financially if Ipswich were to sell Delap elsewhere. But the real intrigue lies in that buy-back option. Sources say the clause will soon become active, and City are already weighing up the possibility of triggering it.

For Guardiola, this could be a tactical and emotional decision. Delap represents something rare — a homegrown talent who knows City’s philosophy but has matured elsewhere. Re-signing him could strengthen the squad while also sending a message that the club values its academy graduates. Guardiola has always spoken highly of players who return stronger after leaving. Bringing back Delap could be his way of showing that development takes many paths — and that sometimes, leaving Manchester City is just part of the journey back.

The situation is also symbolic of City’s current challenges. When Guardiola arrived in 2016, he promised evolution — not just dominance. But now, the team’s identity feels uncertain. Veterans like Kevin De Bruyne are aging, key players like Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish have struggled for form, and new signings have not always delivered. The 4-0 loss to Tottenham was more than a defeat — it was a reality check. It exposed cracks in City’s system and highlighted a lack of hunger that Guardiola himself has admitted worries him.

Delap, by contrast, has been playing with the fire City seem to have lost. His performances for Ipswich have been full of intensity — chasing lost causes, pressing defenders, fighting for every ball. That’s the kind of energy City need. It’s also what Guardiola’s system depends on: relentless pressing, movement, and confidence. Watching Delap thrive elsewhere must be both pleasing and painful for Pep. He let the youngster go to gain experience, but now, he may need to bring him back to rescue City’s attack.

Of course, re-signing Delap would also depend on Ipswich’s willingness to part with him. For the newly promoted side, Delap has become a symbol of their rise — a young striker proving that talent can shine outside the traditional top six. Fans adore him, and manager Kieran McKenna has built his attack around him. But money talks, and if City activate the buy-back clause, Ipswich may have little choice.

Behind the scenes, there’s a growing belief that City will act in January or next summer. Guardiola wants another forward, and with Financial Fair Play pressures increasing, bringing back an academy graduate could be a smart, low-risk move. It would also please the fans, who have been calling for more youth involvement.

For Delap, it would be a dream come true — a second chance at the club that shaped him. When he left City, he spoke about his desire to prove himself. “I’ve always believed I could play at the top level,” he said after joining Ipswich. “Sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward.” Few words have aged better. He took that step back, and now, he stands on the brink of a return that could define his career.

But beyond the personal story, this transfer rumor reveals something deeper about modern Manchester City. For years, they’ve dominated through financial power and elite signings. Yet, even a club as rich as City now looks toward its past for solutions. The idea of bringing back a player Guardiola once let go shows how football can humble even the biggest teams. It also shows how unpredictable careers can be — one year you’re surplus to requirements, the next you’re a potential savior.

As the season progresses, the noise around Delap’s possible return will only grow louder. Every goal he scores for Ipswich will fuel speculation. Every time Haaland looks isolated, the questions will come again: did City make a mistake letting Delap go? Should they bring him back before it’s too late?

Guardiola, ever the perfectionist, will weigh his options carefully. But history tells us he isn’t afraid to admit when he’s wrong. If Delap continues to shine, and if City’s attack continues to struggle, a reunion could be inevitable.

Football has a funny way of writing its own stories. A young striker once seen as just another academy hopeful may soon return to Manchester City as a symbol of renewal. For now, the future is uncertain — but one thing is clear: Liam Delap has made Pep Guardiola and the entire Premier League sit up and take notice.

And if he does return, it won’t just be about goals. It’ll be about redemption, lessons learned, and the beautiful unpredictability of football. From academy promise to Premier League revelation, Delap’s journey might just bring Manchester City back to life.