Liam Delap is already leaving Chelsea. Just one year after arriving at Stamford Bridge, the English striker has officially joined Nottingham Forest in what is the biggest transfer in the club’s history.
Chelsea continue to bring in significant money from player sales. The London club confirmed on Thursday the permanent transfer of Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest. Neither club officially disclosed the fee, but it is estimated at around €52 million, with additional bonuses potentially included.
Chelsea make a major profit on Delap
The deal represents a particularly attractive piece of business for Chelsea. The Blues signed the centre-forward from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2025 for around €35.5 million to €36 million. One year later, they have therefore made a substantial profit on a player who never truly managed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.
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Delap’s first and ultimately only season at Chelsea proved difficult. Between injuries, competition for places and inconsistent performances, the former Manchester City academy player ended his spell in London with just three goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. That did not prevent Nottingham Forest from investing heavily in the 23-year-old, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history, ahead of previous record-holder Omari Hutchinson.
Delap has signed a contract until June 2031 and will now look to rediscover the form he showed at Ipswich, where he scored 12 Premier League goals during the 2024-25 season. For Chelsea, the sale once again highlights the club’s ability to generate major transfer fees for players deemed surplus to requirements, even after disappointing campaigns on the pitch.
