Despite suffering two defeats in two games against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest fans are quietly optimistic for the future under Oliver Glasner after Saturday’s draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
It’s the third season in a row the Reds have avoided defeat at such a ground, with the Austrian’s system starting to have an impact – as seen with the impressive display on Merseyside.
The 51-year-old was always going to need time to be a success at the City Ground, with the supporters needing to be patient if he is to achieve the goal of claiming silverware.
However, one player will no doubt play a vital role in any of the success endured, as high hopes are being placed on the new addition to provide the goods in forward areas.
Why Delap could be a bargain at £45m for Nottingham Forest
Eyebrows were raised across the country last week, as it was confirmed Forest had paid a club-record £45m fee to secure the signature of Liam Delap from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old only netted one league goal last term, but Glasner and the hierarchy believed he was the right man to lead the line for the Reds in 2026/27 and beyond.
He’s previously showcased his ability to provide the goods in front of goal, as he netted 12 league goals for Ipswich Town even though they suffered relegation from the Premier League.
The talisman was handed his debut off the bench against Liverpool on Saturday, and made an immediate impact on proceedings – helping Glasner’s men secure their first point of the season.
His quick throw-in set Neco Williams in behind the opposition backline, before being swiped out by Alisson – resulting in a penalty, which was tucked home by Morgan Gibbs-White.
Delap was a constant nuisance to Andoni Iraola’s side, subsequently completing the most dribbles of any Reds player, leading to one big-chance being created.
Liam Delap – debut stats vs Liverpool | |
|---|---|
Statistics | Tally |
Minutes played | 24 |
Touches | 12 |
Big chances created | 1 |
Dribbles completed | 2 |
Passes into final third | 2 |
Ground duels won | 2 |
Shots taken | 1 |
His relentless and physical nature proved to be a handful, with Forest a side who have missed such a talent at the top end of the pitch over recent seasons.
How Nottingham Forest can seal a Delap repeat before the deadline
With just over 24 hours remaining in the summer market, it appears it will be a frantic end to the window for Forest – something which should come as a surprise.
Daniel Muñoz has completed his £22m move from Crystal Palace, with the Colombian international penning a three-year contract at the City Ground.
Such a move will bolster the right-wing-back position tenfold, but Glasner is still on the hunt for added reinforcements even after the deal for the 30-year-old was confirmed.
A goalkeeper remains a priority for the Reds at present, which has seen Liverpool shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili emerge as a possible replacement for Matz Sels.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the pursuit on his YouTube, stating: “Nottingham Forest have called for Mamardashvili, but there is nothing agreed yet.
“So, Nottingham Forest are looking for a new goalkeeper, at the moment, Mamardashvili is an option, but the deal is not done or advanced yet.”
No fee has been mooted for the 25-year-old at present, but despite featuring in a different position to Delap, he could follow in his footsteps with any move to the City Ground.
The Georgian international was seen as a huge talent before his move to Anfield, but like the striker, failed to hit the heights many expected during his time at a big-six club.
As a result, a move to join Glasner’s men this summer could be perfect for the player, as he attempts to get his once promising career back on the right trajectory.
His stats during his final year at Valencia demonstrate his quality between the sticks, which could hand the manager the update he’s searching for in such a department.
Mamardashvili managed to make an impressive 68% save rate in Spain’s top-flight in 2024/25, subsequently helping him keep right clean sheets in his 34 appearances.
He also saved three penalties during his final year in Spain’s top-flight, with his 29% accuracy from the spot allowing him to rank above 80% of ‘keepers on the continent.
However, his biggest asset over current number one Sels is his aerial ability, with the Georgian coming off his line to claim the ball three times more than the Belgian.
Such an area has been a huge concern of late, with the current number one failing to fill the supporters with confidence with his lack of command in the 18-yard box.
As a result, a deal for the Liverpool man could well hand Glasner the added quality he’s looking for in such a department to aid his chances of claiming silverware in Nottingham.
He would join Delap in arriving with a huge point to prove to all the doubters, with both players having the quality to push the Reds up the table throughout 2026/27.
