Nottingham Forest are closing in on a bold move for sidelined Chelsea striker Liam Delap as the transfer deadline approaches fast.
Chelsea
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Nottingham Forest have entered advanced talks to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, as per latest transfer news. This is a move that could reshape both clubs’ attacking plans before the transfer window shuts on 1 September.
Forest Eye Bold Move For Liam Delap
Forest are working hard to finalise a deal that would bring Liam Delap to the City Ground this window, as reported by BBC. The 23-year-old has been made available for transfer by Chelsea. The west London club are setting an asking price close to £50m. Delap has already been training away from the rest of the Blues first team.
Given that, it is a clear sign that his future lies elsewhere. It still isn’t fully clear whether Forest are chasing a permanent transfer or a season-long loan. Although a straight sale remains more likely at this stage. The good relationship between the two Premier League clubs has helped talks move along smoothly. Now, Forest have pulled ahead of other suitors including Everton and Newcastle United, who were also monitoring the striker earlier this summer.
Delap’s shoulder and hamstring injuries disrupted his first season badly. He ended the campaign with just one league goal. That was a huge drop from the twelve league goals he scored for Ipswich the season before. Now, a move to Forest would give head coach Oliver Glasner fresh attacking options. The boss is said to have played a leading role in convincing Delap to make the switch.
Delap’s stats for the 2025/26 season at Chelsea. as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists
Premier League 28 3 4
FA Cup 6 0 0
EFL Cup 2 0 3
Champions League 5 1 0
FIFA Club World Club 6 1 1
Squad Rebuild Continues At The City Ground
Forest have already been busy in the market this summer. They signed defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting for £34m, along with free transfers Xaver Schlager and goalkeeper Steve Benda. Glasner’s side have not just been buying players this summer, they have also raised huge funds through sales. They recently sold midfielder Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for a club record £116m. It was a deal that instantly strengthened their transfer budget. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi also left for Coventry City for a fee close to £9m.
Should Delap arrive, he would add real depth to the forward line. He will be competing with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus for a starting role. Wood, now 34, is entering the later stages of his career. That said, it makes bringing in a younger striker a sensible long term plan. Delap has already shown flashes of real quality in English football.
Chelsea Face Squad Clear Out Before Deadline Day
Chelsea are dealing with a much bigger issue than just one exit. The club currently has 39 senior players registered. They are actively looking to sanction several sales and loan exits before the deadline as well. Delap is just one name among a longer list. Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are also said to be on that list as Chelsea continue trimming their heavily stocked squad.
Delap’s situation at Chelsea has changed quickly. He was left out of the matchday squad entirely for the league clash against Fulham. He recently lost the number nine shirt to fellow forward Joao Pedro as well. This comes barely a year after he joined the club from Ipswich Town for a fee of £30m. The player signed an initial six year contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2031. Now, however, a new start away from Stamford Bridge could be exactly what his career needs.