- Nottingham Forest announced that Liam Delap had joined from Chelsea on a five-year contract
- Aston Villa have reportedly agreed a club-record deal with Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson, with personal terms still being finalised
- Forest will travel to Liverpool on Saturday after finishing 16th in the Premier League last season
Delap Becomes Forest’s Latest Major Investment
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea, confirming that the 23-year-old forward had agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
The financial terms were not officially disclosed, but British media reported that Forest have paid £45 million for Delap, with a further £5 million included in add-ons. If accurate, the package would surpass Forest’s previous record purchase, which was the £37.5 million deal for Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town last year.
“I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history,” Delap said in a statement.
“I spoke to the manager and I like his way, I think he can be the one to really help me develop and make that next step and hopefully I can bring goals here.”
Wearing the famous Garibaldi. 🪡 pic.twitter.com/eJH0RrfxH9
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 27, 2026
Delap’s Career Path and Chelsea Spell
Delap, who is the son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory, developed in Manchester City’s academy before joining Ipswich in 2024. During the 2024/25 season, he scored 12 goals in 37 appearances.
He moved to Chelsea in 2025 and was part of the squad that won the Club World Cup. However, he did not establish himself as a regular starter, with injuries and poor form affecting his time at the club. Across all competitions, he scored three goals in 47 appearances for Chelsea.
Villa Reportedly Agree Record Jackson Deal
Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement with Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson in a deal that would make the Senegal international the most expensive signing in Villa’s history.
Jackson, 25, is among several players Chelsea are looking to move on before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st. He has been a long-term target for Aston Villa and Unai Emery, who remains a strong admirer of the striker after working with him at Villarreal.
According to The Athletic, the two clubs have agreed a package under which Villa would pay £47.5 million upfront, with add-ons potentially increasing the total value to £65 million. Personal terms are still in the process of being finalised.
Chelsea and Villa Continue Summer Dealings
If completed, Jackson’s switch would be the third piece of business between Chelsea and Aston Villa this summer. Morgan Rogers moved to Stamford Bridge in a club-record £117m transfer, while Alejandro Garnacho later joined Villa on a season-long loan that includes a conditional obligation to buy.
Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he scored eight goals and provided two assists while operating as an understudy to Harry Kane.
Villa’s current number nine, Ollie Watkins, is said to be pushing for a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
What Comes Next
Forest, who ended last season 16th in the Premier League, travel to Liverpool on Saturday. Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to work through potential outgoing moves before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st, with Jackson’s proposed move to Aston Villa reported as one of the major deals still progressing.
