Manchester City's pre-season tour in Brazil took a disappointing turn as young striker Liam Delap delivered a below-par performance in a much-anticipated friendly against Palmeiras. What was meant to be a proving ground for the 21-year-old English forward quickly became a showcase of missed chances and lost momentum, leading to growing fan frustration and renewed calls for the club to pursue long-linked Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Delap, once heralded as one of City's most promising academy graduates, struggled to make an impact throughout the 90 minutes. Lacking sharpness, positional awareness, and the clinical edge required at the highest level, Delap found himself outmatched by Palmeiras' organized backline. His inability to convert two clear chances in the first half proved costly, and his body language told the story of a player under pressure, searching for rhythm he couldn’t find.
Fans were quick to express their dissatisfaction online, with many questioning why the club continues to invest time in Delap instead of aggressively pursuing a top-tier striker like Osimhen, who has been on the radar for over a year. The hashtag #SignOsimhenNow trended on social media within minutes of the final whistle, as frustration boiled over among supporters.
“Delap looks lost. No presence, no finishing, no link-up. We’re not in the Championship anymore—this is Palmeiras, not Port Vale,” tweeted one frustrated supporter. Another fan wrote, “We begged for Osimhen. Instead, we get this. How are we going into a season with title ambitions and no proven striker?”
The criticism may seem harsh on a young player still developing, but it reflects the high standards and expectations that come with being part of a club like Manchester City. Especially in a post-Haaland system—should the Norwegian talisman ever leave or suffer an injury—the striker role cannot be treated as an experiment.
Delap's struggles are not new. Despite loan spells at Stoke and Hull City, where he showed occasional flashes of brilliance, he has yet to convince the City hierarchy—or the fans—that he’s ready for consistent Premier League action. Against Palmeiras, his lack of physical presence and failure to capitalize on attacking build-up underscored what many believe: he is not the long-term solution.
In contrast, Victor Osimhen continues to impress in Serie A with Napoli. The Nigerian forward has the pace, power, and poacher's instinct that City have missed in games without Haaland. At just 26, Osimhen is entering his prime and fits the profile of a Guardiola-style striker—mobile, relentless, and able to finish from anywhere. Fans have repeatedly pointed to Osimhen’s consistent goal-scoring record and leadership qualities as exactly what City need.
But as of now, City have yet to act decisively in the transfer market. While reports suggest informal talks with Osimhen’s representatives have taken place, no official bid has materialized. With the new Premier League season less than a month away, supporters are growing restless.
It’s clear that while the club’s emphasis on youth development is admirable, the demands of modern football—and the pursuit of trophies—require a squad built not just for potential, but for performance. If Delap’s showing against Palmeiras is anything to go by, City may need to rethink their approach before the window closes.
For Liam Delap, the path forward is still uncertain. One game doesn't define a player, but in the world of elite football, one poor performance—especially under a spotlight—can have lasting consequences. Unless he shows immediate improvement, his place in Guardiola’s long-term plans may be slipping further away.
And as for City’s fanbase, the message is crystal clear: they want Victor Osimhen, and they want him now.
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