Nottingham Forest Sign Chelsea Striker Liam Delap for Club-Record £45m

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Chelsea striker Liam Delap for a reported club-record fee of £45 million ($61 million).

The 23-year-old forward has signed a five-year contract with Forest after struggling to establish himself at Chelsea following his move to Stamford Bridge last year.

Forest moved for Delap as they look to strengthen their attack after failing to score in defeats to Leeds United in the Premier League and League Cup at the start of the season.

Delap expressed his excitement about joining the City Ground club and working under manager Oliver Glasner.

“I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history,” Delap said in a statement released by Forest on Thursday.

“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 and hopefully I can bring goals here.”

He added that Forest could build a strong team capable of competing at the top end of the Premier League.

“As a team we can build something really strong and the main aim is to challenge and be a top club in the Premier League,” he said.

Delap joined Chelsea for £30 million in 2025 after an impressive campaign with Ipswich Town, where he scored 12 Premier League goals during the 2024/25 season.

However, the England forward struggled to reproduce that form at Chelsea, making limited impact under three different managers and scoring just twice in all competitions last season.

His move to Forest represents an opportunity to revive his career and establish himself as a regular Premier League goalscorer.

Delap could make his Nottingham Forest debut on Saturday when Glasner’s side travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.

The reported £45 million fee makes the transfer the most expensive signing in Nottingham Forest’s history.