Ever since Taiwo Awoniyi signed for Nottingham Forest in 2022 he’s largely been considered as the first-choice striker in the team – until this season.
Awoniyi has slid down the pecking order during 2024/25. The form of Chris Wood has seen him become less important and it took him until one week ago to score his maiden goal of this season for Forest against Wolves.
The 27-year-old started the FA Cup win over Luton on Saturday. It was a tricky game for the Nigerian player who fluffed a couple of chances but did put himself about throughout the time he was on the pitch.
Wood hailed Awoniyi after his goalscoring cameo against Wolves. It’s clear that his teammates appreciate what he brings to the team and ultimately Nuno Espirito Santo still values his input.
Journalists provide update on Taiwo Awoniyi future at Nottingham Forest
Alex Crook claimed last week that West Ham wanted Awoniyi. It wasn’t the most concrete of links but ultimately when it comes to the transfer window there is very rarely smoke without fire.
Now, two more people in the know have commented on Awoniyi and it would appear as though his future might continue to be open for discussion during this January window.
First, Jack Rosser from The Sun claimed: “West Ham are interested in Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi. Initial approach was over a loan, but a permanent has been discussed. However, Forest asking price of around £20m would have to come down for that to happen.”
Then, later last night, there was another piece of information that came from Daily Mail scribe, Sami Mokbel and he believes it will be a complicated deal for West Ham to complete this month.
He said: “Nottingham Forest reluctant to sell striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has interest from clubs including West Ham. A big offer could tempt Forest but any move also complicated by need to replace Awoniyi.”
Forest can’t sell Awoniyi without seeking a replacement first
Forest have been very savvy on the recruitment front for a little while now. As a result, they will have the backing of the fan base to do whatever the club feels is right when it comes to Awoniyi.
It does feel as though Espirito Santo doesn’t overly rate him. He’s not the type of striker that he likes to utilise with Wood barely being rotated despite now being 33-years-old.
Perhaps the consensus is that the head coach would prefer to have a younger striker to call on as backup. Forest have been linked with Igor Jesus and perhaps selling Awoniyi would fund that particular deal.
It shouldn’t be forgotten just how important Awoniyi has been for Forest though. His 11 goals in season one back in the Premier League kept the Reds up and if the time has come for him to move on, he should be sent on his way with the best wishes of everyone.
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