The Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest narrative took its most significant twist on Monday evening, as deadline day rapidly approaches. there are various reports that the 23-year-old Chelsea striker is “closing in on a shock Premier League transfer,” while GiveMeSport published a simultaneous report stating Forest are “close to signing a Chelsea star.”
While neither report describes a completed deal and both clubs have kept their counsel the synchronised timing points firmly in one direction. With Forest still searching for a recognized centre-forward following an opening-day 1-0 defeat to Leeds United, Oliver Glasner has made it clear that the loss has not altered his overarching recruitment plan.
Liam Delap joined Chelsea in June 2025 from Ipswich Town in a deal worth approximately £30 million, signing a contract through to 2031. The 23-year-old English forward arrived at Stamford Bridge following an impressive 2024–25 season where he scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich.
2025–26 Campaign at Chelsea
- Key Milestones: Delap scored in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage against ES Tunis and added a UEFA Champions League goal against Barcelona.Chelsea Football Club
- Overall Output: Across 41 appearances (16 starts) in all competitions, Delap registered two goals and featured in Chelsea’s run to the FA Cup final.Wikipedia
- Setbacks: His inaugural season in West London was interrupted by hamstring and shoulder injuries.
A fortnight of reporting linking Forest to Delap, the direction of travel is hard to miss. However, no fee has been agreed, no medical is booked, and no official communication has come from either club. What has changed is the momentum moving from initial inquiries to both outlets deploying the word “close.”
Forest’s Ongoing No. 9 Vacuum
Forest entered the summer needing a focal point upfront, a problem exacerbated by Taiwo Awoniyi’s departure to Coventry City on August 17. The remaining options leave the frontline thin:
- Chris Wood: Still the squad’s most reliable finisher, but now 34.
- Igor Jesus & Arnaud Kalimuendo: Both remain unproven as single-striker solutions over a full Premier League campaign.
- Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi & Omari Hutchinson: Primarily wide attackers rather than natural central focal points.
Having funded their window through the £116m club-record sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, Forest have bolstered the squad’s spine with Ousmane Diomande (£34.3m), Xaver Schlager, and Steven Benda. Yet, the tip of the attack remains unresolved.
The Tactical Fit and the Igor Thiago Context
Delap who impressed at Ipswich Town before a reported £30m move to Chelsea in 2025 fits Glasner’s system as a high-intensity, pressing centre-forward capable of holding up play for supporting runners.
The £70m bid submitted for Brentford’s Igor Thiago suggests Delap and Thiago are mutually exclusive targets rather than a joint pursuit. Should Brentford refuse to part with Thiago, Delap represents the primary alternative.
With Forest hosting Leeds in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday and captain Morgan Gibbs-White ruled out through injuryall eyes turn to Glasner’s team selection.
