Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry about Liam Delap as they continue to look at striker options before the transfer window closes.
Forest’s main target appears to be Brentford forward Igor Thiago, but the club have now checked on the possibility of bringing Delap to the City Ground. A move for Thiago would be a much bigger deal, with Forest already reported to have made a £70m offer.
Delap, meanwhile, could be available for around £40m this summer.
Forest looking at Liam Delap as Thiago alternative
Thiago would clearly be the more proven option after his excellent season with Brentford. The Brazilian scored 22 Premier League goals last season, finishing second in the league behind Erling Haaland.
Delap’s numbers were nowhere near that level during his first season at Chelsea.
The 23-year-old scored only once in the Premier League and twice in all competitions during an injury-hit campaign. It was a difficult first year at Stamford Bridge following his £30m move from Ipswich Town.
That hasn’t stopped Forest from making contact.
Liam Delap showed what he can do during his time with Ipswich, scoring 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances during the 2024-25 season. Chelsea are now prepared to let him leave, with the forward having been told he can move on this summer.
Forest aren’t the only club interested. Everton have emerged as the favourites, while Newcastle United have also made contact. Como are another possible destination, although Delap would reportedly prefer to remain in England.
Nottingham Forest need more from their attack
The need for another striker became even clearer after Forest’s opening-day defeat to Leeds United.
Oliver Glasner’s side lost 1-0 at the City Ground, with Igor Jesus missing a good opportunity before Anton Stach’s late free-kick settled the game.
Forest didn’t score, and the lack of a reliable goalscorer was already an issue last season.
Igor Jesus finished with just six Premier League goals, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood managed seven between them.
Thiago’s record makes him the obvious first choice with 22 goals last season as Liam Delap fared poorly with just a single strike in the Premier league.
The problem is the massive price tag. Igor Thiago is contracted to Brentford until 2031, meaning Forest will have to pay heavily if they want to get the deal done.
Delap could offer a different route. He’s younger, has already shown he can get goals in the Premier League. He may be available for a considerably lower fee than Thiago. However, the lower price tag isn’t a massive discount as £40m for a last season with one goal is a massive gamble for Nottingham Forest.
Forest’s enquiry suggests they are keeping their options open. Whether Delap becomes a serious target could depend on what happens with Thiago. For now, Forest have made contact over the Chelsea forward.
