Nottingham signs Delap in record deal

English football club Nottingham Forest have spent a record £45 million ($61 million) in their history to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who has fallen out of favor under the Blues’ new Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso.

The 23-year-old signed a five-year contract at the City Ground after failing to establish himself during one season with Chelsea.

Forest had been seeking a striker after failing to score in defeats to Leeds United in the Premier League and in the EFL Cup early in a disappointing start to the season under their new Austrian manager, Oliver Glasner.

Delap said in a statement to Forest: “I can’t wait to get started. This is a historic club with a great history.” He added, “I spoke with the manager and I was impressed by his approach. I believe he could be the person who can truly help me develop and take the next step, and I hope to add goals here.”

He continued, “As a team, we can build something very strong, and our main goal is to compete and be among the top clubs in the Premier League.”

Delap joined Chelsea last year from Ipswich Town for £30 million, following a standout season with his former club, during which he scored 12 goals in the Premier League in the 2024-2025 season.

However, he struggled to make an impact under three different managers at Stamford Bridge last season, scoring just two goals in all competitions.

Delap could make his debut for Forest tomorrow, Saturday, when the team travels to Anfield to face Liverpool.