Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Liam Delap has completed a move to Nottingham Forest after months of speculation. The Chelsea striker has signed a five-year deal and becomes Forest’s club-record signing.
Just a year after joining Chelsea from Ipswich Town in 2025, Delap has left the club. The signings of Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck have pushed Delap down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Liam Delap price tag at Chelsea
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He is expected to be just one of a handful of departures this week. Enzo Fernandez is edging towards a huge move to Manchester City, while Nicolas Jackson has travelled to Aston Villa to undergo a medical.
Delap managed just one goal in 28 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, and it is quite clear the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea was just too much to handle. Now, he gets a chance to shine at the City Ground.
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How much do Chelsea owe Ipswich as Delap departs?
It is believed Forest have paid an initial fee of £45m to Chelsea for Delap’s services, while a further £5m could be due in add-ons. Ipswich are owed a slice however, according to Daily Mail reporter Kieran Gill.
Chelsea v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly
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“An add-on: Delap – terms of his transfer to Chelsea included a 20% profit-only sell-on fee for Ipswich, so more money due to Ipswich once sale to Forest is finalised,” Gill reported moments before Delap left.
Whether the profit clause is based on the initial fee or the overall package, Ipswich are due a hefty chunk. If it is based on the initial fee, profit is £15m, and Ipswich get £3m. If it is the overall package, it is £4m.
Liam Delap aims cheeky dig at Enzo Maresca on Forest website
Delap spoke to Forest’s website after the deal had been confirmed, underlining his delight at joining Forest and getting the chance to shine regularly. He will have to compete with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League 2026/27
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But within the quotes on Oliver Glasner, were a few words that could be taken as a dig at Enzo Maresca. Obviously, apart from this summer, the entirety of Delap’s Chelsea spell was under the now-City boss.
Delap suggested Maresca was not the manager for him: “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. Hopefully I can bring goals here.”
Who else could leave Chelsea in the next few days?
Delap is not the only player due to leave Chelsea. As aforementioned, Fernandez could join City, with some reports suggesting City will have to pay north of the initial £120m price tag Chelsea requested.
Then there is Jackson, who is due to join Villa for an initial £47.5m and another £17.5m in add-ons. Napoli have made an offer of £13.75m for Marc Guiu, but it falls below Chelsea’s asking price, which is £25m.
Malo Gusto, Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo and plenty of other senior players could still go, while there is a medical taking place today for Mamadou Sarr ahead of a season-long loan move to Real Sociedad.