Fabrizio Romano says Manchester City secure buy back-clause for youngster who has agreed £20m Etihad exit

In a significant transfer development, renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on a potentially outgoing youngster from Manchester City. The Sky Blues have agreed to a £20 million deal to sell promising talent Liam Delap to Ipswich Town, with crucial clauses included in the agreement to safeguard their future interests.

Buy-Back Clause Strategy

Reflecting on the transfer of Romeo Lavia to Southampton, where City included a buy-back clause activated only in 2024, the club learned a valuable lesson.

The Belgian thrived at Southampton, attracting interest from multiple teams, eventually being signed by Chelsea for £58 million before the clause became active. This scenario emphasized the necessity of timely and strategic buy-back clauses.

Details of the Delap Deal

Manchester City, ensuring they don’t repeat past missteps, have embedded a buy-back clause in Delap’s transfer to Ipswich Town.

Romano confirmed that the deal, set at a £15 million fixed fee with £5 million in add-ons, includes a 20% sell-on clause and a buy-back option. This foresight allows City to potentially re-sign Delap should he excel at Ipswich, mitigating the risk of permanently losing a talented player.

Implications of Julian Alvarez Rumours

The decision to include a buy-back clause in Delap’s transfer aligns with ongoing speculations surrounding Julian Alvarez. Reports in June suggested Alvarez might seek more regular playing time or a move to a sunnier climate. While Manchester City currently have no plans to sell the Argentine forward, his potential departure could create an opportunity to re-integrate Delap.

Strategic Safeguarding

Manchester City’s careful planning with Delap’s transfer reflects a strategic approach to nurturing talent while maintaining the flexibility to respond to future squad needs. If Delap performs well at Ipswich and the club decides to trigger the buy-back clause, it would be a testament to the wisdom of including such provisions in transfer deals.

By securing these clauses, City ensures they are well-positioned to retain control over the futures of their young prospects, showcasing a blend of immediate financial gain and long-term strategic planning. This move could prove to be a masterstroke, especially if Delap’s career trajectory follows a path similar to Lavia’s.