Chelsea have confirmed the permanent departure of Liam Delap from the club with the striker completing a move to Nottingham Forest after one season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues announced the transfer on Thursday, shortly after Forest confirmed the 23-year-old had signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.

“Liam Delap has today completed a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest. The striker arrived at Stamford Bridge last June and was a member of our victorious FIFA Club World Cup squad that summer.”
Chelsea Statement

Delap featured in six of Chelsea’s seven matches at the Club World Cup, before going on to make 41 appearances across four competitions last season.

He scored three competitive goals for the London club, with his first coming against Esperance de Tunis at the Club World Cup, before finding the net against Barcelona and Fulham in the Uefa Champions League and the Premier League respectively.

Chelsea highlighted his European contribution, with the forward scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3-0 victory over Barcelona.

Forest Confirm Move

Forest, meanwhile, confirmed the move as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm Liam Delap has joined the club, signing a five-year deal,” the club said.

Delap arrives at the City Ground after establishing himself as one of England’s promising young forwards. Before joining Chelsea, he enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign with Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals to finish as the club’s leading scorer in their first Premier League season in 22 years.

His development began at Manchester City, where he joined the academy aged 16. He made his senior debut at 17 by scoring against Bournemouth in the EFL Cup before making his Premier League debut against Leicester City three days later.

A prolific campaign for City’s Under-21 side followed, with Delap scoring 27 goals in 22 matches. He later spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Hull City before moving permanently to Ipswich, where he was named Players’ Player, Young Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season.

Forest Expect Goals From New Striker

Forest believe Delap’s experience, despite his age, can help him make an immediate impact.

George Syrianos, the club’s Chief Football Officer, revealed that they have closely followed the striker for some time and are very pleased to have his services.

“Liam is a top talent and someone we have been monitoring for some time, and we are delighted he is joining us. He is a young player but already has plenty of experience at different levels of the game, and he has come here hungry to develop further and play a part in helping the club achieve its ambitions.”
George Syrianos, Nottingham Forest Chief Football Officer,

Delap said he was excited by the opportunity to continue his development under Forest manager Oliver Glasner. “I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history,” he 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 admitted he was looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at the City Ground. “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,” Delap added.

He joins Forest determined to help the club compete at the top end of the Premier League, saying: “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.”

Delap, who has represented England from Under-16 to Under-21 level and won the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, will wear the number 19 shirt at Forest during the 2026/27 season.