Liam Delap might not be planning a honeymoon anytime soon, but he’s certainly living a life full of joy and camaraderie with his Ipswich teammate Cieran Slicker.
The two young footballers, both 22, are sharing a home in Suffolk where their daily routine resembles that of a newlywed couple.
According to Delap, “You know when couples are in their honeymoon stage? That’s me and him every day.”
A Wholesome Home Life in Ipswich
Despite the pressure of battling relegation with Ipswich Town, Delap and Slicker maintain a surprisingly wholesome household.
Their daily life includes playful games of “sticky golf,” where they challenge each other, and Slicker, known for his culinary skills, often prepares elaborate meals.
While Delap might grumble about his teammate’s habit of replaying his best goals on loop, the two share a strong bond, made even more interesting by the fact that they furnish their home with items bought after losing card games.
According to Slicker, their dynamic is simple: “I cook, he cleans,” though Delap humorously protests, pointing out that he doesn’t do any cleaning at all.
The Growing Football Career and Transfer Rumors
For now, their time together in Ipswich could be fleeting. Delap has emerged as one of the Premier League’s rising stars, having scored 12 goals in his breakout season.
As a result, he’s become a top transfer target for some of the biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
His £40 million release clause, which activates if Ipswich is relegated, looms large.
As the team’s relegation looks all but certain, Delap’s next big move seems inevitable.
Delap isn’t one to share much of his personal life on social media. His Instagram, mostly focused on football, has earned him 232,000 followers.
While that’s impressive, it’s nowhere near the numbers seen by his fellow players like Rasmus Hojlund (2.5 million followers).
A move to a giant club like Manchester United could see Delap’s profile skyrocket, possibly reaching household name status.
The Delap Family Legacy
Sport runs in Delap’s veins. He’s the son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory, famous for his legendary long throws, and his younger brother, Finn, plays for Burton Albion.
His sister Neve is also an athlete, excelling in netball, while his mother, Helen, is a marathon runner who has completed the Three Peaks Challenge. The Delap family is no stranger to sporting success.
Liam himself is known for his raw pace and power on the field.
Having been a sprinter and a school rugby star, he brings those same qualities to football.
Ipswich’s struggles this season haven’t held him back; his 12 goals have made him stand out, with scouts from top clubs eagerly watching his progress.
While his current tally isn’t world-beating, it’s certainly promising, and his style of play has drawn significant attention.
Pep Guardiola’s Early Praise and the Road Ahead
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola recognized Delap’s potential back in 2022, calling him a “killer” on the field after a match against Fulham.
Guardiola described him as “a typical British striker, an incredible finisher” and highlighted his unique qualities.
Though Delap had limited opportunities at City due to the presence of Erling Haaland, Guardiola’s comments now seem incredibly prescient, as Delap is making a name for himself at Ipswich.
A Glimpse of Delap’s Personality
Off the pitch, Delap is known for his playful side. He once took a City kitman’s Mini Cooper for a joyride around the training ground.
Another memorable moment came when, during a game in Year 8, he begged for a toilet break, and upon returning, scored a hat-trick in the final 10 minutes.
These moments of levity show that, while Delap is fiercely competitive on the field, he also knows how to enjoy life.
The Growing Hype Around Delap’s Future
As Delap’s career continues to rise, his name is becoming more widely recognized.
Manchester United’s interest in him speaks volumes about the regard in which they hold him.
Alongside other top targets like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, Delap is on the verge of something big.
His journey is just beginning, and it looks like the football world is about to see much more of him in the coming years.
It’s clear that Liam Delap, like his father Rory, may soon find himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond just football.
From long throws to potential moves that could change his life, Delap’s future is filled with excitement, and it’s only just starting to unfold.