Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City striker Emile Heskey has expressed confidence in Emmanuel Latte Lath as the player to fill the void left by Liam Delap’s anticipated departure from Ipswich Town. As Ipswich prepares for their return to the Championship following relegation from the Premier League at the end of April, securing an effective striker is crucial to their campaign.
The Tractor Boys had a difficult season back in the top flight, ending with only 22 points and struggling to compete against more established Premier League teams under manager Kieran McKenna. With their significant financial resources, Ipswich is expected to contend for immediate promotion, but this will heavily depend on key reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Financial Pressure and Transfer Strategy Amid Liam Delap’s Departure
Ipswich’s challenge has been heightened by the likely sale of star striker Liam Delap to Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth around £30 million. Delap, who had joined Ipswich from Manchester City on loan, has been a crucial player for the club. Ipswich now plans to reinvest these funds to find a capable replacement who can continue their task of returning the club to the Premier League swiftly.
One of the leading candidates to fill this role is Emmanuel Latte Lath, formerly of Middlesbrough and currently playing in the MLS for Atlanta United. According to the Northern Echo, Ipswich has identified the Ivorian forward as a potential signing to bolster their attack following Delap’s exit, which came mid-season when Latte Lath transferred to the United States for £22.5 million in February.
Heskey Highlights Ipswich’s Playing Style as Advantage for Latte Lath
In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Emile Heskey reflected on whether Latte Lath would be a suitable replacement for Delap. Heskey acknowledged the challenge of matching Delap’s impact but underlined Ipswich’s style of play as a perfect environment for the Ivorian forward to flourish.
Heskey commented,
“That’s a tough one because Liam Delap has done fantastic. Coming through at Derby and then Man City, that generation of players, we’ve seen a lot of them like Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa, who are coming through and showing their worth.”
On the differences between the players, he added,
“It’s difficult to say whether he (Latte Lath) will match what Delap has done, but it’s in the Championship, so it’s a little bit different.”
You pin your hopes on that with the way Ipswich play, if you present chances, and they do, then the striker will score.
—Emile Heskey, Former Striker
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s Proven Championship Goal-Scoring Record
Latte Lath’s performances during his time in the Championship illustrated his capability as a lethal finisher, which played a significant role in his move to Major League Soccer. In his debut season, he scored 16 goals in 30 appearances, demonstrating an instinct for goals and a capacity to handle the pressure of regular first-team football.
Before transferring to Atlanta United in the winter window, he had also managed 11 goals from 29 appearances in the 2024/25 season. These statistics highlight his consistent threat in front of goal, which Ipswich will seek to leverage as they look to regain their spot amongst England’s elite.
Potential Impact of Latte Lath on Ipswich’s Promotion Push
Ipswich Town is expected to dominate possession and create many scoring opportunities in the Championship, a scenario that suits a striker with Latte Lath’s goal-scoring instincts. Manager Kieran McKenna will be aiming to build a team that can capitalize on these chances and push the club toward the upper ranks of the division.
With Morsy having one year remaining on his contract, the forward line requires reinforcements that combine Championship experience with a proven ability to finish chances—qualities Emmanuel Latte Lath embodies. His arrival would inject a proven marksman’s capabilities into the squad, possibly improving on the goals Tallie Lath already achieved in England’s second tier.
The financial burden of securing Latte Lath should be manageable thanks to the lucrative sale of Liam Delap, allowing Ipswich to make a significant investment in their attacking options as they prepare for a tough campaign aiming at promotion.