Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of former Blues striker Liam Delap from Chelsea with Town benefiting from the switch.

Forest are understood to have paid an initial £45 million for the 23-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal at the City Ground, rising to £50 million.

Delap left the Blues for Stamford Bridge just over a year ago for £30 million with Town understood to be due 20 per cent of the profit the West Londoners have made on his sale.

That equates to an initial £3 million, minus 20 per cent due to Manchester City, who sold him to Town in the summer of 2024, through their sell-on, which equates to £600,000.

“I’m buzzing. I really can’t wait to get started, it’s a massive club with a big history so I can’t wait,” Delap said.

“I spoke with the head coach [Oliver Glasner] and I really like his way. I think he can be the one to really help me develop and get to that next step. There’re some top players here as well and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them.”

Delap, who is reunited with former Town teammate Omari Hutchinson at Forest, reflected on his time with the Blues after a difficult season at Chelsea.

“It was probably the time when I’ve enjoyed playing football the most and I think that was when I played my best football as well. Hopefully I can recreate that here,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Macca [former Manchester City teammate James McAtee] and it’s really helpful when you know people and I had the year with Omari as well. I think those connections will definitely help with settling in.

“Macca is one of my best mates and I think we played really well together when we were younger so I can’t wait to be on the pitch with him once more.”

On what his new fans can expect, he added: “I’m aggressive and I play with a lot of speed and aggression. Hopefully I can bring some goals here as well.

“With the new head coach I think we can build something really strong. The main aim is to challenge and be a top club in the Premier League.”

Photo: Matchday Images