Manchester City have been boosted by the recent news that Liam Delap has signed a new long-term contract, which should keep him at the Etihad until 2026.

What's the word?

After a phenomenal season with the U23s, it is no surprise that City have worked quickly to tie Delap down for the long-term, as he looks destined to have a huge future in the game.

The Citizens announced on Friday that the 18-year-old had penned a new deal until 2026, which will no doubt delight Pep Guardiola, as he now has a player to put into the first team in the near future.

The Spanish manager had suggested earlier in the summer that Delap would become part of the first-team squad at City this season, although he has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Championship, despite City having thus far failed to replace Sergio Aguero.

A boost for Guardiola?

Considering Delap's sensational form with the academy sides since joining from Derby County in 2019, there seems little to suggest that the teenager can't be a regular with the Citizens in the future.

Last season saw the striker contribute 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games, firing City to that title, whilst he also scored on his professional debut in City's 2-1 win against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

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Delap also made two substitute appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup, which suggests that he is certainly in Guardiola's thinking, and perhaps after a season on loan in the Championship, we could see him starting on a regular basis in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

When speaking about Millwall's interest in signing Delap on loan, manager Gary Rowett was quick to sing his praises, saying:

“Liam Delap, quite simply, is the best young striker around at the moment and every single Championship club, I’m sure, would be interested in taking him. Of course, we’d be interested. But, at the same time, I’m sure everyone would be interested in him."

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Therefore, it is undoubtedly a boost that he has committed himself to City, and everyone involved with the club will surely be excited to see more of him in the future.

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