Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea should be feeling very pleased with the transfer fee they have recouped for Liam Delap, although it could actually be a sign of what is to come from the Blues this summer.
Despite scoring just three goals during his time as a Blue, the club have managed to make a significant profit on the striker after a dismal year at Stamford Bridge.
Delap was clearly out of the plans behind Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck under Xabi Alonso, and a move to a side down the Premier League table in Nottingham Forest looks the best course of action for him.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea’s Liam Delap sale could hint at new midfield signing
Many were left surprised at the fee Forest ended up paying for the striker, however this could suggest the two clubs are not done when it comes to business between them.
As has been seen with the business between Chelsea and Aston Villa this summer, clubs have not been afraid to pay over the odds for a player if they know their fellow club will do the same.
Nottingham Forest FC v Leeds United - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
When looking at the current Forest squad, Morgan Gibbs-White could solve a lot of issues that will crop up should Enzo Fernandez get his desired move away from the club.
Despite making his name in the Premier League as an attacking midfielder, Gibbs-White has developed his game to be able to feature as part of a midfield two, which would be alongside Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman would also be a suitable replacement in terms of the goals that Fernandez’s exit would see the club lose.
Gibbs-White scored 15 Premier League goals last season, matching Chelsea’s top scorer last season, Joao Pedro.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as potential new midfielders, but both of their clubs are unwilling to sell their best player this late in the window.
So far, there has been no indication that Forest will engage in that either, however it is hard to believe there is not more to come from this Delap deal.