Fabrizio Romano Confirms £30m best player will be joining Man City soon
This summer is shaping up to be one of the most crucial periods in recent history for Manchester City, with a significant rebuild expected to take place at the Etihad Stadium.
After claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, the reigning champions appeared to ease off the gas. Their decision not to aggressively reinforce the squad in the summer of 2024 has come back to haunt them, as the current campaign has been far from smooth sailing. Pep Guardiola has had to navigate an inconsistent season with an ageing squad, and City now find themselves scrapping for a Champions League spot—a stark contrast to the dominance they displayed in previous years under the Spanish tactician.
While the drop-off in form has been frustrating for fans, it may ultimately serve as a blessing in disguise. The disappointing 2024/25 season has triggered an internal review at the club, prompting serious questions about the squad’s long-term sustainability and perhaps even leading Guardiola himself to reassess his approach.
As a result, Manchester City are expected to be far more proactive in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several high-profile targets already being discussed behind the scenes. However, one player who won’t be part of City’s future plans is Liam Delap
Liam Delap Unlikely to Return to City Despite Buy-Back Clause
There had been speculation that the club might look to re-sign Liam Delap, who has impressed since making the switch to Ipswich Town. The young striker left the Etihad last summer, but City cleverly inserted a £30 million buy-back clause in his contract with the Championship side. Given his development and rising profile, there were suggestions that he could be brought back to bolster City’s attacking options.
However, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City have no intention of activating the clause this summer. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano revealed that while the clause remains in place, the Premier League champions are not considering a move for Delap. The January signing of Omar Marmoush, alongside the presence of star striker Erling Haaland, means Guardiola is not looking to add another forward at this stage.
“Also, Man City have a specific clause for Delap,” Romano said. “But what I’m hearing is that City are not planning to make any investment, of course, after signing Marmoush in the January window and they have Erling Haaland. So the idea is Chelsea or Man United, there is also interest from Germany, it’s true.”
Indeed, Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for the 22-year-old, with several Bundesliga clubs also keeping close tabs on the situation. Delap’s next move appears far more likely to take him across town or even abroad, rather than back to the blue side of Manchester.
Guardiola Eyes Major Additions to Revamp Squad
While Delap may not return, Manchester City do have some big plans in place for the 2025 summer transfer window. With veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne set to depart the club at the end of the season, Guardiola is already lining up a marquee replacement. Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz has emerged as the top target, and City are ready to make a bold move for the German international.
However, Wirtz won’t come cheap. The 20-year-old is one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, and his valuation has reportedly soared to around £130 million. Given City’s need to strengthen in multiple areas, committing such a large sum to one player could have a knock-on effect on their other transfer plans.
Left-back remains another priority position for City, who have struggled to find consistency in that role in recent seasons. Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso is currently viewed as the top candidate to fill that void, and a deal could be pursued depending on Juventus’ willingness to negotiate.
Additionally, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has also been mentioned as a potential summer target. The England U21 international has been a standout performer for Forest, and Guardiola is believed to admire his technical ability and work ethic—qualities that could make him a valuable asset in a reshaped City midfield.
All signs point toward a summer of big changes at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola under pressure to build a younger, more dynamic squad capable of reclaiming domestic dominance and challenging once again on the European stage. After a rare underwhelming season, the club is determined to return stronger—and that mission begins this summer.
