Liam Delap seals Nottingham Forest move after Chelsea exit
Chelsea let Liam Delap leave after one tough season, seeking a fresh start.
Liam Delap finally has a fresh start. The striker has left Chelsea for Nottingham Forest in a club-record transfer deal, as per the latest news. After one tough season in London, the 23-year-old now has a chance to rebuild his career.
Liam Delap lands at Nottingham Forest
As reported by Chelsea’s official website, Delap has completed a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest. The striker moved to Stamford Bridge last June from Ipswich Town. His time in west London was not easy. Forest have paid at least £45 million for the forward. The deal can rise to £50M with add-ons. Delap has signed a five-year deal at the City Ground.
This deal is a club record of for Forest. As they beat their previous one for Omari Hutchinson, which was £37.5M. The move also gives Chelsea a financial return. The Blues paid £30M to bring Delap from Ipswich last summer. They could make up to £20M from his sale if all add-ons are met.
Liam Delap’s stats for the 2025/26 season at Chelsea, as per FOTMOB:
| Competitions | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 28 | 1 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Champions League | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Forest see chance for a fresh start
Forest coach Oliver Glasner made Delap a key target this summer. The manager wanted another striker who could lead the attack and give the team a clear focal point. Delap now gets that chance at the City Ground. The forward had been linked with more than one Premier League club. Everton were among those interested. Yet Forest pushed hardest and got the deal over the line.
The transfer gives Delap a chance to rebuild after his difficult spell at Chelsea. That may matter as much as the fee. He arrives at a club where the manager wanted him and where he should have a clear role. Delap also made his feelings clear after the move. He said he could not wait to get started and praised the club’s history.
Can Liam Delap find his best form?
Before moving to Chelsea, Liam Delap had scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town. This was during the 2024/25 season. That record helped him attract major interest and led to his move to Stamford Bridge. His Chelsea spell did not match those numbers, with injuries also hurting his season.
Now, Forest are betting that a change of place can bring out the player they saw before. Their need for a striker is obvious. Sky Sports noted that Forest have looked for a strong No 9, while Chris Wood had injury problems last season and other options do not offer the same style.
For Delap, regular football could be the key. He is still only 23, so there is time to improve. A strong run at Forest could help him regain confidence and show why Chelsea paid for him in the first place. For the Blues, the move is a quick financial win. For Forest, it is a major gamble, and for Delap, it may be the most important move of his young career.
Author’s Opinion
Liam Delap needed a change after a difficult year at Chelsea. Forest offer him a clear role and a coach who wanted him. The pressure will still be high, but regular football could help the young striker find his best form again.
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