Nottingham Forest have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea to sign Liam Delap for around £45million, with a medical already booked.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Forest are preparing to complete the formal steps after Delap agreed to the move following discussions with head coach Oliver Glasner.
The proposed £45million fee was initially reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy, with negotiations now advancing beyond the exploratory talks reported earlier on Tuesday.
The transfer has not yet been officially completed and remains subject to Delap passing his medical and the necessary paperwork being finalised.
🚨🌳 BREAKING: Nottingham Forest reach verbal agreement to sign Liam Delap from Chelsea, here we go!
Fee around £45m as @JPercyTelegraph reported, medical booked and #NFFC ready to proceed with formal steps.
Delap said yes to Forest project after speaking to Oliver Glasner. pic.twitter.com/KImPuy63q5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 25, 2026
Liam Delap Nottingham Forest transfer reaches agreement
Delap’s departure moved closer after he was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad for Monday’s 3-2 victory over Fulham.
João Pedro started up front and scored inside the opening minute at Craven Cottage, underlining his position as Xabi Alonso’s first-choice striker.
Chelsea have already secured Pedro on a new contract until 2034, while the Brazilian has also taken the No.9 shirt previously worn by Delap.
That changing hierarchy has left the England Under-21 international searching for regular first-team football elsewhere.
Forest have moved decisively, with Glasner’s direct conversation with Delap helping persuade the striker to accept the City Ground project.
Chelsea could generate £105m from striker departures
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last summer, with the club confirming he signed a contract until 2031.
He arrived after scoring 12 Premier League goals during the 2024/25 season but struggled to establish himself consistently at Stamford Bridge.
A £45million departure would come alongside another significant potential attacking exit, with Aston Villa submitting a proposal worth around £60million for Nicolas Jackson.
Should both deals be completed on the reported terms, Chelsea could generate approximately £105million from the two departures, including any applicable bonuses.
Jackson’s move has not been finalised, while Delap’s transfer still requires a successful medical and formal confirmation from both clubs.
However, the verbal agreement with Forest represents the clearest indication yet that Delap’s Chelsea career is approaching its conclusion.
Chelsea close to accepting Aston Villa’s £60m Nicolas Jackson bid
Chelsea close to accepting Aston Villa’s £60m Nicolas Jackson bid
Chelsea striker Liam Delap closes in on Nottingham Forest transfer
Chelsea striker Liam Delap closes in on Nottingham Forest transfer