Liam Delap completes record £45m Nottingham Forest move from Chelsea
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of striker Liam Delap from Chelsea for £45m, a club record fee. The 23-year-old signs a five-year contract and joins his third club in three seasons after being told he was not part of Xabi Alonso's plans. New Forest manager Oliver Glasner made him a priority target during the transfer window.
ByJavi
4 min read
Liam Delap is officially a Nottingham Forest player. The striker joins from Chelsea in a £45m deal that becomes the most expensive transfer in the Premier League club's history. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.
- Nottingham Forest pay Chelsea £45m for Liam Delap, smashing their transfer record.
- The 23-year-old striker signs a five-year deal with his new club.
- Forest becomes his third club in the last three seasons.
- New manager Oliver Glasner made Delap a priority signing this window.
- Chelsea bank a profit on a player they bought from Ipswich for £30m a year ago.
Liam Delap excited to get started at Nottingham Forest
The former England youth international had been training away from Chelsea's first team and saw his No 9 shirt handed to João Pedro. His departure from Stamford Bridge had been expected for weeks.
I really can't wait to get started. This is a massive club with a big history. 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.
Oliver Glasner drives Nottingham Forest record transfer for Delap
The Austrian coach took charge at the City Ground this summer and made a top-class striker his main target during the window. Delap fit the profile Glasner wanted to strengthen his attacking options, and the club pushed the boat out financially to deliver a statement signing.
Chelsea cash in on Delap and close in on Atalanta's Ahanor
Stamford Bridge waves goodbye to a player who barely featured over the past year. Chelsea signed him from Ipswich for £30m and now bank £45m, a healthy profit despite the striker managing only two goals in all competitions.
With funds secured, the Blues have advanced on another deal: an agreement to sign Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for £40m. The 18-year-old centre-back is rated among Italy's most promising young defenders, and Chelsea see him as one for the future, likely to be sent out on loan.
Aston Villa, Manchester United and Southampton also busy in the window
Aston Villa have completed the free signing of Leon Goretzka after his Bayern Munich exit. The 31-year-old midfielder spent eight seasons at the Allianz Arena, making 312 appearances, and brings experience from his 73 caps with Germany.
Manchester United are in talks with Fiorentina over a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward, who cost £38.5m from Bologna two years ago, has failed to establish himself under any of the three managers he has played for at Old Trafford: Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. He has made 75 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.
Southampton are close to bringing James Ward-Prowse back to the Championship club. The midfielder is out of favour at West Ham, who signed him from St Mary's in 2023, and is set to return for a nominal fee. The Hammers need to move players out after relegation and are open to offers for Jean-Clair Todibo, Edson Álvarez and Maxwel Cornet.
El Hadji Malick Diouf is also close to joining Brentford in a deal worth up to £40m.
Frequently asked questions about Liam Delap's Nottingham Forest transfer
Frequently asked questions
How much did Nottingham Forest pay for Liam Delap?
Nottingham Forest paid Chelsea £45m for Liam Delap, the highest transfer fee in the club's history. The striker has signed a five-year contract at the City Ground.
Why did Liam Delap leave Chelsea?
Delap was told he was not part of Xabi Alonso's plans and was made to train away from the first team. His No 9 shirt was also reassigned to João Pedro, which pushed his exit forward.
What position does Liam Delap play for Nottingham Forest?
Liam Delap is a striker and is expected to lead the line under new Forest manager Oliver Glasner. The 23-year-old was signed as a priority target to bring goals to the team.