ak’s Hat-Trick Stuns Ipswich as Newcastle Eyes Delap in Summer…
Newcastle United’s trip to Portman Road in December delivered a resounding statement of intent, as Alexander Isak’s hat-trick and Jacob Murphy’s precise strike secured a 4-0 demolition of Ipswich Town. The result not only highlighted the Magpies’ attacking prowess but also shone a spotlight on one of Ipswich’s standout players—Liam Delap, who received a suspension following the encounter and is now reportedly on Eddie Howe’s radar for a summer move to Tyneside.
From the first whistle, Newcastle dominated proceedings, with Swedish striker Alexander Isak in in electric form. The 24-year-old striker, who has become a vital piece of Howe’s attacking jigsaw, was clinical and relentless, netting three goals that showcased his pace, movement, and finishing finesse. Isak’s first came in the 12th minute, cutting inside from the left and curling a low effort past Ipswich keeper Vaclav Hladky. His second, a close-range tap-in after a clever team move, came just before the break.
After the restart, Newcastle’s intent didn’t waver. Jacob Murphy, who has enjoyed a renaissance under Howe, added his name to the scoresheet is with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box in the 53rd minute, effectively putting the contest beyond doubt. Isak then completed his hat-trick in style, dribbling through two defenders and calmly slotting past the keeper to seal the 4-0 win.
While Newcastle’s attacking dominance caught the headlines, the spotlight also fell on Ipswich’s Liam Delap. The 22-year-old striker, on loan from Manchester City, was shown a second yellow card in the second half for a reckless challenge, resulting in a suspension that saw him miss subsequent key fixtures for the Tractor Boys. Despite the sending-off, Delap’s physical presence and aggressive pressing had already caught the eye—and it now appears that Newcastle are considering him as a potential signing for the summer transfer window.
Reports emerging in the weeks following the clash suggest that Eddie Howe is a fan of Delap’s raw potential. Known for developing young talents and molding them into Premier League-ready stars, Howe sees Delap in a as a possible long-term asset. Delap’s youth, energy, and experience across both Championship and Premier League levels make him a compelling option—particularly as Newcastle aim to bolster their squad depth and inject more pace into their forward line.
The Magpies’ interest in Delap isn’t purely based on a single performance. The striker has impressed during his loan spell at Ipswich, scoring crucial goals and contributing to their push for promotion. His ability to lead the line, draw defenders, and create space for others mirrors the qualities Howe values in his current forwards. Adding Delap would give Newcastle a dynamic option behind Isak in a and Callum Wilson, with an eye on future squad rotation and injury cover.
On the other side, Ipswich will be hoping they can either keep Delap in a for another season or secure a replacement of similar caliber if Manchester City opts to recall him or negotiate a permanent sale elsewhere. The Championship side has benefited greatly from his contributions, and his absence through suspension in the aftermath of the Newcastle clash was felt keenly.
For Newcastle, the emphatic win at Portman Road was more than just three points. It was a demonstration of their attacking intent, squad depth, and long-term ambition. With European qualification still within reach and the club actively scouting young talent like Delap, the signs are promising for supporters dreaming of a sustained run at the top level.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Eddie Howe can convince Manchester City to part ways with one of their promising academy products. Delap’s development curve suggests he’s ready for the next step—and under Howe’s guidance, Tyneside might just be the perfect place to take it.
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