Nottingham Forest have confirmed that they have secured a club‑record agreement to bring Liam Delap to the City Ground, with the fee reported to be in the region of £50 million. The deal, which is believed to be structured with a guaranteed base of at least £45 million and additional performance‑related add‑ons that could push the total to the full £50 million, marks the highest amount the club has ever spent on a player.
Delap is due to travel to Forest for a medical examination on Wednesday, after which the move is expected to be completed. The 22‑year‑old striker has been the subject of interest from several Premier League sides this summer, most notably Everton, but Forest have out‑bid the competition and locked down the transfer.
Chelsea originally acquired Delap from Ipswich Town last summer for a reported £30 million, and the London club have now placed a valuation of roughly £50 million on the forward. If the transfer proceeds as reported, Chelsea stand to make a profit of around £20 million on a player who managed three goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for the Blues last season. Forest’s previous record signing was Omari Hutchinson, who arrived from Ipswich Town for £37.5 million in August 2025. The new Delap deal therefore eclipses that figure by a considerable margin, underlining the ambition of manager Oliver Glasner to strengthen his attacking options after a summer that saw Taiwo Awoniyi depart for Coventry City for £9 million.
Former England international Tim Sherwood, speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special, praised Delap’s potential and explained why he believes the striker will flourish under Glasner’s guidance. Sherwood said, “Liam has the talent – he’s shown it at every level. What he needs now is regular first‑team football and a manager who trusts him enough to start him week in, week out, even when he’s not at his best.
That’s what Oliver Glasner can provide, just as we saw with Jean‑Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace.” He added, “Glasner likes to play with a powerful target man who can hold up the ball and bring others into play. If Delap can match the tempo and work rate, I expect him to find the net regularly for Forest.
He’s aggressive, has a good range of attributes, and the lack of opportunities at Chelsea has held him back. The price tag is irrelevant – the market is absurdly inflated across the league anyway.” Beyond the headline signing, Forest are active on several other fronts in the transfer market. The club have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson, although Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has insisted the youngster will remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, Forest have identified a right wing‑back from Fiorentina – Dodo – as a possible addition to provide more width and defensive stability. The squad’s depth is also being reshaped through loan moves.
French side Lille are set to take Dilane Bakwa on loan, while young centre‑backs Zach Abbott and Tyler Bindon are reportedly being considered for temporary spells elsewhere, with Watford among the clubs expressing interest. These moves are intended to give the emerging defenders valuable game time and experience, which they may not yet receive at the City Ground. Glasner’s tactical philosophy often emphasizes a strong, physical presence up front to complement his preferred 4‑3‑3 or 4‑2‑3‑1 formations. By adding a striker of Delap’s stature – standing at 6ft 4in and possessing a powerful aerial game – Forest hope to diversify their attack, offering both a focal point for crosses and a target for quick, direct service.
The club’s scouting department has highlighted Delap’s ability to hold up play, bring midfield runners into the box, and finish with both feet, making him a versatile option for various attacking patterns. The financial commitment also reflects Forest’s broader strategy to compete more consistently in the Premier League. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club have invested in infrastructure, youth development, and now a marquee signing to push the team up the table. The management believes that a successful integration of Delap could not only improve goal output but also raise the club’s profile, attracting further talent and commercial opportunities.
If the medical goes smoothly and the paperwork is finalized, Delap could make his Forest debut early in the upcoming season, potentially in pre‑season friendlies or the opening league fixtures. Fans are eager to see how he will link up with existing forwards and midfielders, and whether his presence will free up space for other attackers to exploit. The anticipation is heightened by the club’s recent promotional campaigns, which have highlighted the “new era” ushered in by the record signing.
In summary, Nottingham Forest’s agreement to pay a club‑record fee for Liam Delap signals a bold step forward for a side looking to cement its Premier League status. The transfer, valued at up to £50 million, eclipses the previous record set by Omari Hutchinson, and comes after a summer of strategic moves aimed at bolstering the squad.
With the medical scheduled for Wednesday, all eyes are on Forest as they prepare to welcome a striker who many believe has the potential to become a leading goal‑scorer in the league, provided he receives the regular playing time and confidence that have eluded him at Chelsea.