Liam Delap, 23, is on the verge of leaving Chelsea after being frozen out of Xabi Alonso’s plans, with Nottingham Forest now in advanced talks to sign him before the transfer window closes.  

Ipswich and Everton circle, but Forest lead the race. Credit: The Guardian

Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich for £30 million just a year ago, but his impact was minimal — only two goals across all competitions. The club is now holding out for a £50 million fee, even as he trains separately from the first team and was left out of the squad for their 3-2 win over Fulham.  

Forest manager Oliver Glasner has been clear about his intent: he wants two more signings before the deadline, with Delap a priority to bolster his attack. Glasner has already reshaped the squad this summer, bringing in Ousmane Diomande for £34 million from Sporting Lisbon, alongside Xaver Schlager and Steven Benda. His tactical shift to a three-man defence has highlighted the need for more depth up front and at wing-back.  

For Delap, the writing has been on the wall. His squad number was reassigned, Joao Pedro took the coveted No.9 shirt, and Chelsea’s attacking trio of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Pedro dazzled in Alonso’s debut match. Delap’s omission from the Fulham game underscored his diminishing role.  

Forest’s pursuit is not without competition. Ipswich, his former club, have considered a move, while Everton are also monitoring the situation. But Forest appear to be leading the race, with discussions already underway and the possibility of a loan-to-buy deal being floated.  

The timing is crucial. Forest face Leeds in the Carabao Cup second round and Liverpool in the league this week, with Morgan Gibbs-White sidelined by a knee injury. Adding Delap could provide immediate reinforcement, especially as Glasner looks for sharper finishing after a narrow defeat to Leeds.  

Chelsea, meanwhile, are moving in a different direction. Their £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa already looks promising, with Rogers scoring against Fulham and showing chemistry with Palmer and Pedro. Alonso’s vision is clear: a dynamic, fluid attack that leaves little room for a striker struggling to adapt.  

Delap’s potential move to Forest is more than just a transfer. It’s a test of whether a player once seen as a rising star can reset his career in a system that values his physicality and direct play. For Chelsea, it’s a reminder of how quickly the landscape shifts — from investing in promise to cutting losses when expectations aren’t met.  

Sources: The Guardian