Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea in a club-record deal worth up to £50 million, handing the 23-year-old striker a contract running until June 2031.
Forest will pay an initial £45 million for Delap, with another £5 million available in add-ons. The deal eclipses the club’s previous transfer record of £37.5 million, paid to Ipswich Town for Omari Hutchinson in 2025.
Chelsea have also officially confirmed Delap’s permanent departure from Stamford Bridge, bringing his time with the club to an end just one year after signing him from Ipswich.
Delap backs Glasner to revive his career
Delap has endured a difficult 12 months after moving to Chelsea for £30 million following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.
Despite his struggles at Stamford Bridge, Forest head coach Oliver Glasner identified the former Manchester City academy striker as a priority signing.
Delap believes working under Glasner can help him take the next step in his career.
“I really can’t wait to get started. This is a massive club with a big history,” Delap said.
“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.”
The striker also spoke enthusiastically about playing at the City Ground and Forest’s ambitions in the Premier League.
“I can’t wait to hear the noise at the City Ground and have the fans on my side because I know how loud and important they are.
“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.”
Chelsea bank major profit after one season
Chelsea have secured a significant return on Delap despite his difficult campaign in west London.
The Blues triggered his £30 million release clause at Ipswich in the summer of 2025 after he had scored 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances for the relegated Tractor Boys.
Delap subsequently struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Chelsea. The club says he featured 41 times last season across four competitions, while he was also part of Chelsea’s victorious FIFA Club World Cup squad during the summer of 2025.
If Forest ultimately pay the full £50 million package, Chelsea will receive around £20 million more than the £30 million they paid for him only a year ago.
Delap had attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, but Forest won the race for his signature.
Forest make Delap their most expensive signing
The size of the investment demonstrates Forest’s determination to strengthen Glasner’s attacking options.
Delap arrives following Taiwo Awoniyi’s £9 million departure for Coventry City, while Chris Wood, Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo are among the other forward options available to Glasner.
The England youth international came through Manchester City’s academy before establishing himself at Ipswich, where his performances during the 2024-25 Premier League season earned him the move to Chelsea.
He now gets another opportunity to establish himself as a Premier League striker at the City Ground – this time carrying the additional pressure of being Nottingham Forest’s record signing.
Delap could make his Forest debut when Glasner’s side travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday.
