The striker joined the Academy as a scholar in June 2019 and his rapid progress saw him rewarded with his first team debut last September, when he started and scored in a 2-1 Carabao Cup third round victory over Bournemouth.
Delap went on to make two further senior appearances in 2020-21, coming off the bench for his Premier League debut against Leicester City and doing the same in an FA Cup win against Birmingham City.
His first team breakthrough was complemented by an outstanding season with our Elite Development Squad (EDS), for whom he netted 24 goals in 20 games to fire City to a maiden Premier League 2 title and his performances were enough to earn him the league’s Player of the Season award.
It has been a remarkable two years and, having penned his new deal, the 18-year-old says he is delighted to extend his stay at a club he believes is the ideal place to further his development.
“It’s obviously a massive achievement for me,” he told mancity.com.
“I am so happy. I have been here now for two years and every day I have loved it. I have just loved the place and all the people. I can’t wait to do even more.
“I’ve got everything here. I’ve just fallen into place here and that’s why I’ve committed my future here.
“There is always someone there to support you. They make you feel so welcome and you get the best coaching and the best players playing with you so it improves your game.”
Delap has proven himself to be a striker of immense promise.
He scored nine goals in 15 games in his debut season with the Under-18s, including a brace in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final, whilst he also starred as City won the delayed 2020 FA Youth Cup final last November.
His pivotal role in the EDS’ Premier League 2 triumph included three hat-tricks and he scored three times in two games as City faced senior opposition in the 2020-21 EFL Trophy.
Everyone at Manchester City congratulates Liam on his new contract and wishes him the best of luck in the years to come.
