Nottingham Forest eye Liam Delap transfer as Taiwo Awoniyi departs
Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who is set to leave the club after the departure of Taiwo Awoniyi. Awoniyi is on the brink of a move to Coventry City, and Forest are likely to recoup the £17million they paid for him in 2022.
Why it matters for Nottingham Forest
The Reds have a fit-again Chris Wood and a more seasoned Igor Jesus to fill the lone striker role in Oliver Glasner's team. However, Wood is 29 years old, and Forest will need to consider a successor at some stage. Delap, who is 23 years old, seems a natural fit, with his physical presence and ability to run channels and put his body on defenders.
What comes next?
Delap has been linked with the likes of Como and Everton, but The Athletic insists he is still a possibility for Forest. The Reds don't have to rush, as Wood is still near his pomp, and Delap's career is at a crossroads. He has come through the Championship School of Hard Knocks and has one credible Premier League career on his CV. However, he has struggled with fitness issues and has been left out of match-day squads by new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in Premier League, 44 pts, 11W-11D-16L from 38 games, recent form DLDWW. Goals this season: 48 scored, 51 conceded (-3 goal difference). Title race: 41 points behind leaders Arsenal. Next fixture: vs Manchester United (at home, 2027-02-20) (3rd in the table).
