Forest's pursuit of Delap signals a fresh start for the struggling striker
Nottingham Forest are close to signing Liam Delap from Chelsea for an initial £45 million, with add-ons potentially reaching £50 million. The 23-year-old scored just one Premier League goal last season after a hamstring injury and competition from Joao Pedro limited his impact. Forest manager Oliver Glasner sees Delap as a physical, mobile forward who can replicate the role Jean-Philippe Mateta played at Crystal Palace.
Delap’s move follows a season at Chelsea where he managed just one league goal, hampered by a two-month hamstring injury and the emergence of Joao Pedro as the focal point. Forest had tracked him a year earlier as a potential successor to Chris Wood, who turns 35 in December. The club’s recruitment team, under Oliver Glasner, has previously revived careers of young wingers like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and they see Delap as fitting a similar mold. His £45 million fee, plus £5 million in add-ons, would mark another club-record purchase for Forest, who prioritized quality over quantity this window. He is expected to sign a five-year contract after a medical today. Former Forest striker Robert Earnshaw, who himself rebounded from a frustrating season at Derby, believes the environment can help Delap resurrect his confidence.
This transfer could reshape Forest’s attacking identity, giving them a physical, mobile forward who may thrive under Glasner’s system. For Delap, a strong season could restore his market value and England prospects, while for Forest, success would justify a record outlay and boost their push for European places. Conversely, if he struggles again, the financial pressure could weigh on the club’s squad-building plans. Fans may see renewed optimism, but the move also highlights the risk of paying premium fees for unproven form.