​Liam Delap has completed a $61.2 million transfer to Nottingham Forest -Credit:Justin Setterfield, Getty ImagesLiam Delap has departed Chelsea and completed a £45 million ($61.2 million) move to Nottingham Forest, it has been confirmed. The 23-year-old forward joined the Blues for £30 million ($41 million) from Ipswich last summer but struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.A combination of injuries and inconsistent displays hampered the Englishman, who was informed by Xabi Alonso earlier this window that he had no place in his plans for the 2026/27 season. Delap, who was absent from the matchday squad for Monday’s 3-2 victory at Fulham, managed just two goals in 41 appearances for Chelsea last campaign.Confirming his exit on Thursday, Chelsea released a statement saying, via football.london: “Liam Delap has today completed a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest. The striker arrived at Stamford Bridge last June and was a member of our victorious FIFA Club World Cup squad that summer. He featured in six of our seven games and started in four.Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign Arsenal star and sends Marcus Rashford warningFurious Cristiano Ronaldo subbed off early as Ange Postecoglou’s Al-Nassr secure comeback win -Credit:Ritchie Sumpter, Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images”Last season, Delap played 41 times for us across four different competitions, netting against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge and Fulham away from home. We would like to wish Liam well in the next chapter of his career.”After the move to Forest was confirmed, Delap said: “I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history. 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.”I can’t wait to hear the noise at The City Ground and have the fans on my side because I know how loud and important they are. As a team we can build something really strong and the main aim is to challenge and be a top club in the Premier League.”In a goodbye message to Chelsea posted on social media, the striker said: “I want to thank everyone at Chelsea for the past season, met some great people here. Wishing the club all the best for the campaign ahead.”To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HEREA number of Delap’s now-former teammates took to the comments on his Instagram post to react to the news. Cole Palmer wrote: “Good luck bro.” Reece James said: “Good luck brother.” Morgan Rogers, Jorrel Hato and young goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe also left comments on the post.