Nottingham Forest sign Liam Delap from Chelsea on five-year contract

Nottingham Forest have signed Liam Delap from Chelsea on a five-year contract, the club announced on Thursday.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed by Forest, although reports have suggested the deal could be worth as much as £50m.

Delap, 23, said he was eager to begin his time at his new club and spoke positively about the role Forest’s manager could play in his development.

“I really can’t wait to start this journey. This is a big club with a great history,” Delap told Nottingham Forest’s official website.

“I spoke to the manager and I liked his approach. I think he could be the right person to help me develop and take the next step in my career, and I hope I can score goals here.”

Forest reportedly won the race to sign the forward ahead of Newcastle United and Everton.

The move brings an end to Delap’s first season at Chelsea, where he struggled for consistency and was also affected by recurring fitness problems.

A difficult campaign saw the young striker score only once in 28 Premier League appearances last season, a return that fell short of expectations.

Delap had joined Chelsea last summer but was unable to establish himself during his opening campaign with the club. In recent days, he had been training separately from Chelsea’s other first-team players.

His arrival gives Nottingham Forest a new attacking option, while Delap will now look to revive his form after a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge.

Forest have not confirmed the financial terms of the agreement, but the reported figure of up to £50m would make the transfer a significant investment in the forward.

Delap said his discussions with the manager had helped convince him that Forest was the right place to continue his progress. He will now aim to respond to the difficulties of last season by producing more goals in his new surroundings.

The forward’s only Premier League goal for Chelsea came during a campaign in which his performances were affected by a period of decline and repeated physical issues. Despite making 28 league appearances, he was unable to build a regular scoring record.

Forest’s pursuit of Delap came amid reported interest from both Newcastle United and Everton, but the club ultimately secured the deal for the 23-year-old.

The five-year agreement gives Delap a long-term opportunity at Nottingham Forest as he seeks the next step in his career and attempts to rediscover the form that prompted Chelsea to sign him last summer.