Pep Guardiola called me a killer but I knew my future wasn’t at Man City – now I can make them pay

Pep Guardiola does not hand out compliments easily, especially to young players. He believes in keeping their feet on the ground, ensuring they do not develop a false sense of achievement too early. That is why, when he called Liam Delap a “killer” and described him as the future of Manchester City, it was a statement that carried weight.

However, despite Guardiola’s high praise, Delap’s chances at City had already been diminished. His pathway to the first team was effectively blocked before he even had a chance to establish himself fully. The reason was not a lack of talent but a combination of unfortunate injuries and City’s ever-growing ambitions in the transfer market.

Delap’s journey began with an explosion of promise. He made his debut for City in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth in the 2020/21 season, marking the occasion with a goal that showcased his power and finishing ability. That season, he dominated the Premier League 2, scoring an incredible 24 goals, making the football world take notice. His performances not only helped City’s U23 side win the title but also earned him the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award, setting a record for the most goals scored in a season.

Delap’s goals were varied—classic striker’s finishes, elegant touches, and long-range stunners. His natural ability in front of goal, coupled with his physical presence, made him stand out among his peers. He was a crucial part of City’s FA Youth Cup-winning side, playing alongside other young stars like Cole Palmer, James McAtee, and Romeo Lavia.

His performances convinced Guardiola that Delap was ready for the next step. In 2021, with City failing to sign Harry Kane, Guardiola made it clear that Delap had a role to play in the first team. “Liam Delap, for me, for the club, is so important for the future,” Guardiola said as City rewarded the youngster with a new contract. “He is going to train with us, if a striker comes or doesn’t come. He will train with us all season.”

At the time, Guardiola compared Delap’s situation to that of Phil Foden, who had gradually integrated into the first team after training regularly with senior players. Guardiola acknowledged the gap between academy football and the Premier League and believed that training with the first team was the best way to bridge that difference. Delap was set to benefit from this approach.

But then, injury struck. A series of setbacks kept Delap on the sidelines, just as City’s plans were evolving. By the time he returned to full fitness, Julian Alvarez had arrived, and Erling Haaland was about to follow. The club had moved on, and Delap’s first-team opportunities diminished significantly.

Despite his injury troubles, Guardiola remained full of praise. After a brief FA Cup appearance, he famously described Delap as a “killer” in front of goal.

“Liam last season grew up a lot, especially with [former U23 coach] Enzo Maresca helping him develop. He is a type of striker we don’t have, a killer, a typical British striker. The only problem was injury after injury. He struggled a lot, but he has a special quality.”

Guardiola emphasized patience, suggesting that if Delap bided his time, his opportunity would come. “These guys are 18, 19 years old. One of the precious values you have to have is patience. But if you do, it always pays off, and you always get what you deserve.”

However, City were not in a position to wait. With Haaland leading the line, there was no immediate place for Delap in Guardiola’s system. The club decided to loan him out to Stoke City in the 2022/23 season. It was a move that seemed logical—his father, Rory Delap, was a club legend and part of the coaching staff. Yet, shortly after Liam arrived, a managerial change saw his father leave, disrupting what was supposed to be an ideal development opportunity.

His spell at Stoke did not go as planned, and a subsequent loan to Preston North End also failed to reignite his form. However, the following season, Delap moved to Hull City, where he rediscovered his goalscoring ability. His performances caught the attention of several clubs, and in the summer of 2024, newly promoted Ipswich Town paid up to £20 million to secure his services permanently. City, having signed him for just £1 million from Derby County’s academy, made a significant profit from the deal.

Now, Delap is doing exactly what Guardiola predicted—thriving as a strong, physical striker in the Premier League. He has adapted well to the top flight, using his strength and sharp finishing to trouble defenders. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with bigger clubs—including Chelsea—reportedly considering a move. Chelsea, having already spent around £100 million on former City academy players, could add Delap to that list.

City’s name has also been mentioned in transfer discussions. They have a buy-back clause, which could allow them to re-sign Delap at a lower cost compared to what other clubs might pay. However, given Haaland’s dominance and his new contract extension until 2034, it remains unclear whether City would make such a move. Additionally, reports suggest City are looking to bring in another forward, Omar Marmoush, further complicating Delap’s potential return.

Despite the uncertainty regarding a future move back to the Etihad, Delap has nothing to prove to City—only to himself. He has overcome injuries, setbacks, and disappointments to establish himself as a Premier League striker. The lessons learned at City, under Guardiola’s guidance, have helped shape him into the player he is today.

This weekend, Delap will come up against City once again, facing the team that once saw him as a future star but ultimately let him go. It will be a chance for him to show them what they missed out on. Guardiola has always spoken highly of him, and while there may not be a reunion on the horizon, Delap’s rise to prominence serves as a reminder of City’s exceptional academy and the fine line between success and missed opportunities.

The story of Liam Delap is one of perseverance. From a teenager tipped for greatness at City to battling injuries and struggling on loan, he has now found his place in the Premier League. His journey is not over yet, and whether he remains at Ipswich, moves to a bigger club, or one day returns to City, he has proven that he belongs at the highest level.

As Guardiola watches from the sidelines this weekend, he may well see glimpses of the “killer” he once praised—a striker who was never given a real chance at City but has taken every opportunity to succeed elsewhere.