Manchester United summer plans could be bad news for Chido Obi
Man Utd will look to sign another striker in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in midweek not only highlighted their need for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, but it also exposed the need for a recognised goal scorer to lead the attack.
Rasmus Hojlund was given an even worse player rating than the calamitous Andre Onana by L'Equipe on Thursday night, because the Cameroonian was actually a noticeable participant in the match, unlike the hapless striker at the other end of the pitch. Hojlund wasted a glorious opportunity to give his side the lead in the first half and quickly regressed as the occasion got the better of him.
It is no surprise Ruben Amorim has prioritised the addition of a striker this summer, but their current transfer plans to add another raw forward to the squad could end up being detrimental to the talented teenager they already have at their disposal.
Summer plans could be bad news for Chido Obi
Manchester United have identified Ipswich star Liam Delap as their preferred striker target for the summer transfer window. It was initially revealed Delap has a £40 million release clause in his contract, but he will be available for just £30 million this summer due to a relegation release clause written into his contract.
The 22-year-old has netted an impressive 12 goals in 33 games for Ipswich this season, with almost half of the clubs in the Premier League interested in a summer deal for what seems a bargain fee. It is no criticism of United that they are interested in Delap this summer, though there is still a strong argument they should be after a more established striker instead.
Delap's goal tally is impressive at such a young age for a team that will be relegated from the top-flight, but he is not the experienced option that United could probably do with. The former Man City youngster would face far more scrutiny at Old Trafford, and a key reason he has done so well at Ipswich this season is because he has been the main man in attack and been able to build momentum.
If he has to share the load with Rasmus Hojlund next season, Delap might not be able to play at the same level he has done for Ipswich, while game time could be significantly limited if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and have eight fewer matches next season.
The other element to consider is the development of Chido Obi. The 17-year-old has 14 goals in 14 appearances for the different youth teams this season, and although he is still a raw talent, his development could be hindered by the addition of another young striker this summer.
At his age, Obi won't be expected to play regularly, but he might not play much at all if two other strikers need minutes ahead of him in their development path. Another aspect is that Obi will only fulfil his enormous potential if he can learn from experienced goal scorers, something Hojlund and Delap might not be able to do as effectively.
If the long-term plan is to sell Hojlund, then Obi could be catered for as a reserve option for another season, but the arrival of Delap might not be the most productive piece of business for his own needs. If United want an exciting young striker in their squad, they could be better off utilising the one they've already got.