Manchester City News: Pep Guardiola Looks To Build Teenage Striker As Future Talisman

Manchester City is banking on a young striker to become the club’s future frontman.

The current Manchester City squad is lacking a formidable striker, and the recent UEFA Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain served as proof.

While a move for Tottenham talisman Harry Kane is still far-fetched, Manchester City is relying on the progress of their homegrown forward Liam Delap.

The 18-year-old has yet to make his senior team debut for Manchester City but has already made a name for himself in the Premier League 2 Division 1, having bagged a whopping 24 goals in 20 games.

Delap’s exceptional nose for goals attracted suitors from top European leagues, with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund being the latest to launch a bid for his signature, Football Insider reported, citing unnamed sources.

However, Manchester City was quick to turn down the German club’s £15 million ($20 million) offer as the club has “high hopes” for Delap.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official website last month, Guardiola himself stressed that Delap will be honed at the Etihad Stadium as he sees the teenager’s potential to become a “future” star.

“Liam Delap for me, for the club, is so important for the future,” Guardiola asserted. “At the end of last season, we said we had to extend the contract. He is going to train with us if a striker comes or doesn’t come. He will train with us all season.”

“Him [Delap], Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Luke Mbete, Romeo Lavia,” the manager continued “There are five or six guys who will be with us all season. The same process we have done with Tommy Doyle. It’s like Phil [Foden] when he arrived with us. [He] trained with us and played with the second team. It is the best way to help with their development.”

Delap, on the other hand, is “happy” to be with Manchester City and is already looking forward to “do even more” for the club.

“I am so happy. I have been here now for two years and every day I have loved it,” Delap said after signing a new contract with Manchester City last month. “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.”