Liam Delap has completed his move from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest in a club-record deal worth up to £50m, signing a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
The 23-year-old striker becomes Forest’s most expensive signing after the club agreed an initial £45m fee, with a further £5m potentially payable in add-ons.
Delap’s arrival marks a new chapter after a disappointing first season at Chelsea, where he struggled to establish himself following his £30m move from Ipswich Town last summer.
He managed only two goals in all competitions for Chelsea, despite making 41 appearances, and was subsequently told he was not part of new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.
His squad number was reassigned and he had been training separately from Chelsea’s main group as the club prepared for the new campaign.
Forest’s decision to make Delap their record signing reflects their belief that the striker can rediscover the form that made him one of England’s most promising young forwards.
Delap enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign with Ipswich, scoring 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances despite the club’s struggles and eventual relegation.
His performances earned him a move to Chelsea, but the switch to Stamford Bridge failed to produce the expected breakthrough.
Now, Forest manager Oliver Glasner has made the forward a key part of his plans as he looks to strengthen his attacking options.
Delap joins a forward group that includes Chris Wood and Igor Jesus and will be expected to provide additional pace, physicality and goals.
Speaking after completing the transfer, Delap expressed his excitement about joining Forest and working with Glasner.
“This is a massive club with a big history. I spoke to the manager and I like his way. I think he can be the one to really help me develop and make that next step and hopefully I can bring goals here,” he said.
The striker also highlighted the importance of the Forest supporters and his anticipation of playing at the City Ground.
“I can’t wait to hear the noise at the City Ground and have the fans on my side because I know how loud and important they are,” Delap said.
Forest chief football officer George Syrianos said the club had followed Delap for some time before deciding to make their move.
“Liam is a top talent and someone we have been monitoring for some time, and we are delighted he is joining us,” Syrianos said.
“He is a young player but already has plenty of experience at different levels of the game, and he has come here hungry to develop further and play a part in helping the club achieve its ambitions.”
The transfer is also financially significant for Chelsea, who could make up to £20m more than the fee they paid Ipswich for the striker a year ago.
For Forest, however, the priority will be what Delap delivers on the pitch.
His physical strength, ability to run with the ball and eye for goal made him a standout performer at Ipswich. Forest will now hope Glasner can help him reproduce those qualities at the City Ground.
With the new Premier League season already underway, Delap will have little time to settle in before being called upon to justify Forest’s record investment.
