As Ipswich Town faces the highly probable exit from the Premier League, they are bracing themselves for the loss of their key players to other clubs. It took them 22 years to make it back to the top flight last time they dropped down, so losing their top talent now is far from an ideal situation.
One player in particular, Liam Delap, has been a standout performer for Ipswich this season, leading the team in goals despite their position near the bottom of the table. The 22-year-old striker has attracted interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, with a price tag of £40 million hanging over him.
If Delap does leave, manager McKenna will have to find a suitable replacement. While some are suggesting a move for Richard Kone from Wycombe Wanderers, McKenna may opt to look within his current squad for a replacement. George Hirst, who has shown promise in previous seasons despite injury setbacks, could be a strong contender. His combination of goal-scoring ability and creativity has earned him praise from the manager, making him a potential successor to Delap in the starting lineup.
With Hirst’s proven track record at Portman Road and his potential to shine in the Championship, he could be the “unique” solution Ipswich needs to fill the void left by Delap. If he can stay fit and continue to develop, Hirst may well become the team’s next star striker in the near future.
