Chelsea’s ambitious squad overhaul under Xabi Alonso shows no signs of slowing down as the club prepares to offload Liam Delap to Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £50m including performance-related additions.
The England international striker arrived at Stamford Bridge only 12 months ago but is now set to leave after Chelsea profited from triggering a £30m release clause in his Ipswich Town contract when they signed him last summer.
Discussions began regarding a potential season-long loan arrangement, though the transfer will instead be completed as a permanent sale with a medical scheduled for later this week.
The 23-year-old found it difficult to make his mark during the early stages of his Chelsea career and was quickly eclipsed by fellow new arrival Joao Pedro. Following the acquisition of Danny Welbeck, new head coach Alonso had five forwards at his disposal, ultimately leading to the decision that both Delap and Nicolas Jackson could seek alternative clubs.
While Aston Villa expressed interest in the player and his former club Ipswich together with Everton explored the possibility of re-signing him, Delap will ultimately reunite with Oliver Glasner at the City Ground.
Chelsea have been particularly active during this transfer window. Four newcomers made their competitive first appearances during the 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday evening.
Club-record purchase Morgan Rogers found the net while recently-signed central defender Maxence Lacroix provided an assist. Pep Chavarria and Geovany Quenda were introduced from the bench during the second half. Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra were present at Craven Cottage but did not feature in the matchday squad.
Delap becomes the latest departure from west London, following Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Andrey Santos and Tyrique George through the exit door on a permanent basis.
Benoit Badiashile, Alejandro Garnacho and Filip Jorgensen have also departed on temporary deals with various purchase clauses and mandatory buy obligations incorporated.
Further sales may still occur during the remaining week of the summer transfer period, with Manchester City’s reported interest in Enzo Fernandez making him the most prominent name potentially moving on. Despite missing out through injury, Moises Caicedo was named among the substitutes and was greeted with jeers upon entering the action midway through the second half.
Regarding the Argentine midfielder, Alonso stated that in football nothing surprises him and the situation would become clearer this week.