Nottingham Forest have announced that they have reached a club‑record agreement to bring Liam Delap to the City Ground, a deal reported to be worth around £50 million. The transaction, which began as a minimum £45 million fee, could rise to the full £50 million figure once performance‑related add‑ons are triggered.
Delap is expected to travel to Forest’s medical facilities on Wednesday, where the final physical examination will be carried out before the move is officially completed. The young striker had been the subject of interest from several Premier League sides during the summer window, with Everton among the clubs reported to have made inquiries. Despite the competition, Forest emerged as the successful bidder and have now secured the player’s signature.
Chelsea originally acquired Delap from Ipswich Town last summer for a reported £30 million, and they have now placed a valuation of roughly £50 million on the 22‑year‑old forward. If the deal proceeds as expected, the Blues stand to make a profit of around £20 million on a player who contributed three goals in 47 appearances across all competitions last season. This transfer eclipses Forest’s previous record signing, which was the acquisition of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for £37.5 million in August 2025.
The new fee underscores the club’s ambition to strengthen its attacking options after the recent departure of Taiwo Awoniyi, who moved to Coventry City for a fee in the region of £9 million. Former England manager Tim Sherwood weighed in on the move during a segment of Soccer Special, offering his perspective on why the switch could be beneficial for Delap.
Sherwood said, “We know Liam has the talent; he has shown it at various youth levels and during his time at Chelsea. What he now needs is regular first‑team football and the chance to stay fit.
At Chelsea he never really got a consistent run in the side, which is essential for a striker’s confidence. You need a manager who trusts you enough to start you week in, week out, even if you have an off day.” He added that Forest manager Oliver Glasner could provide that platform, drawing a parallel with how Glasner helped Jean‑Philippe Mateta thrive at Crystal Palace. “Glasner likes a big striker who can hold up the ball and bring others into play. If Liam can match the tempo of the team, I expect him to find the net regularly for Forest,” Sherwood continued.
Sherwood also highlighted Delap’s attributes, describing him as an aggressive forward with a blend of physicality, pace, and technical skill that could make him a top‑level striker if given the right environment. He dismissed the significance of the hefty price tag, noting that “the numbers being thrown around in the Premier League these days are simply absurd; the focus should be on what the player can deliver on the pitch.” Beyond Delap, Forest are active in the market on several fronts. The club have been tracking Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson, although Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly stated that Bergvall intends to remain in north London for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, Forest are reportedly scouting a right wing‑back, with Fiorentina’s Dodo emerging as a player of interest. In the wider transfer landscape, there are a few other moves involving Forest players.
French side Lille are set to take Dilane Bakwa on loan, while centre‑backs Zach Abbott and Tyler Bindon could also depart on temporary deals, with Watford showing interest in both. These potential exits suggest that Forest are looking to balance their squad depth while focusing resources on strengthening the attacking line‑up. The signing of Delap is expected to inject fresh energy and competition into Forest’s forward line.
With the club’s recent emphasis on building a more dynamic and versatile attack, Delap’s arrival could provide a focal point for a team that has struggled at times to convert chances into goals. His experience in a top‑flight environment, despite limited minutes, combined with his proven goal‑scoring record at youth level, offers a promising blend of potential and readiness. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments through the Transfer Centre LIVE feature on their mobile devices, as well as by following Sky Sports’ headlines, Premier League ins and outs, and the Sky Sports app.
The club also encourages supporters to engage via WhatsApp for real‑time updates. As the transfer window draws to a close, Forest’s strategic moves, highlighted by the Delap signing, signal a clear intent to compete more robustly in the Premier League and to push for higher league placement in the upcoming season. For those interested in a bit of extra excitement, Sky Sports is also running a Super 6 competition where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £1 million prize.
This promotional offer adds a fun element for fans following the transfer saga and the broader football action.