Nottingham Forest Fans All Want the Same Player to Replace Starter Who Struggled Massively vs Leeds

Nottingham Forest supporters are united in their demand for a new striker after the side’s frustrating 0-1 opening-day defeat to Leeds United, with one name dominating the conversation as the clear solution to the club’s attacking problems.

The late free-kick from Anton Stach that decided the match at the City Ground left Forest with nothing to show for a performance that contained promising moments but ultimately lacked a clinical edge. Chris Wood, introduced as a substitute, dragged a clear opportunity wide, while Igor Jesus wasted two good headed chances. The inability to convert pressure into goals has reignited long-standing concerns about the depth and quality available in the final third.

Across social media and in conversations around the ground, Forest fans have been remarkably consistent in their view. The player they all want is **Liam Delap**.

The 23-year-old Chelsea forward has been linked with a move to the City Ground throughout the summer, and the events of the opening weekend have only intensified the calls for the club to get the deal done. Delap’s combination of physical presence, pace in behind, and proven ability to score at Premier League level makes him the ideal profile in the eyes of the supporters.

“We need a proper striker who can lead the line and finish chances,” one fan summed up the prevailing mood. “Wood is a good player but he’s not getting any younger and the service isn’t always there. Delap is young, strong, and hungry. He’s the one.”

The frustration is understandable. Taiwo Awoniyi’s departure to Coventry earlier in the window left Forest thinner in attack than many had hoped. While Wood remains a reliable presence when fit and Igor Jesus has shown flashes of quality, the lack of a dynamic, mobile alternative has been exposed. Against Leeds, Forest created enough to take something from the game but lacked the decisive touch in front of goal.

Oliver Glasner is known to admire Delap’s attributes. The Austrian has previously identified the need for a forward who can stretch defences, hold the ball up under pressure, and offer a different threat to the more traditional target-man style. Delap fits that brief. His performances during his breakthrough season at Ipswich demonstrated exactly the kind of direct, energetic centre-forward play that can trouble Premier League defences.

Chelsea’s willingness to listen to offers has kept the door open. After a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge in which he struggled for consistent minutes and goals, Delap is understood to be open to a move that guarantees him regular football. Forest, still searching for a long-term solution up front, remain one of the most logical destinations.

A source close to the situation said:

“The interest in Delap has never gone away. The opening-day result has only made the need clearer. Fans are pushing for it because they can see the gap. If the numbers can be made to work, it’s a deal that makes sense for both sides.”

The financial side remains the biggest obstacle. Chelsea’s valuation is significant, and Forest must balance ambition with sustainability. Yet the strength of feeling among the supporters is hard to ignore. In the hours after the Leeds defeat, the same name kept appearing in replies, comment sections and fan forums. Delap has become the focal point of the conversation.

Beyond the individual target, the broader issue is clear. Forest’s attacking options look light for a Premier League campaign. Relying heavily on Wood, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, carries obvious risk. Jesus is still adapting to the intensity of English football. Without another proven goal threat, the side risks becoming predictable and easy to defend against once opponents settle into the season.

Glasner will be aware of the scrutiny. The new head coach has spoken about the importance of squad balance and the need for players who can impact games in different ways. A striker capable of running the channels, linking play, and finishing chances would give him greater tactical flexibility and reduce the burden on the existing forwards.

For the fans, the equation is simpler. They watched their side dominate periods against Leeds without finding the net. They saw opportunities come and go. And they have identified the player they believe can change that pattern.

Whether the club can deliver remains to be seen. The transfer window is entering its final days, and competition for Delap exists. But the message from the stands and from online discussions has been loud and consistent.

Nottingham Forest need a striker.

The fans know exactly who they want.

Liam Delap has become the name that unites them. Now it is over to the club to decide whether they can make it happen.