By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK , August 25, 2026 - Nottingham Forest have reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea to sign striker Liam Delap, with the transfer now moving towards the formal stages, according to the latest reports.
The England international has reportedly agreed to join Forest after being convinced by the club’s project and discussions with head coach Oliver Glasner. A medical has been booked as Forest prepare to complete the remaining steps of the transfer. The deal is understood to be worth around £45 million, a figure previously reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy.
The development represents a significant turnaround in Delap’s situation at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2025 for around £30 million after an impressive Premier League campaign with Ipswich. However, his first season in west London proved difficult, with Delap making 41 appearances across all competitions and scoring just two goals. He managed only one Premier League goal in 28 league appearances.
His position at Chelsea became increasingly uncertain during the current transfer window. Delap was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham and had also been training away from Xabi Alonso’s main first-team group alongside several players who are not currently part of the manager’s plans. Chelsea also changed his squad number, with João Pedro taking the No.9 shirt.
Forest have been monitoring Delap for some time. The striker was already on their radar before he chose Chelsea over Ipswich, and Glasner has now made strengthening the attack one of his priorities. The Austrian manager recently stated that he expected Forest to bring in two more high-quality players before the transfer window closes.
More from Kenya
The move also makes sense from Forest’s perspective. Taiwo Awoniyi has departed for Coventry City, while Chris Wood is now 34, increasing the need for another reliable centre-forward. Delap offers youth, Premier League experience and considerable potential, having previously scored 12 league goals for Ipswich during the 2024/25 season.
Earlier reports had suggested Chelsea could demand as much as £50 million and that Forest were initially exploring a loan arrangement. However, the latest reports point towards a permanent transfer worth approximately £45 million.
With the medical reportedly booked and the two clubs having reached a verbal agreement, Delap is now close to completing his Chelsea exit and beginning a new chapter at the City Ground.