After seven years and six clubs, Taiwo Awoniyi finally gets to stay and play in the premier league.
The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Nottingham Forrest from the German club Union Berlin.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Record Signing And Seven Years Journey
The move makes Awoniyi Steve Cooper’s first signing of this window and Nottingham Forest’s first Premier League signing for 23 years.
Meanwhile, the 17.5 million fees qualify him as Nottingham Forrest’s record signing.
His professional career began at Liverpool, signing for the Merseyside club in 2015, but he never played for the Reds.
Awoniyi became a player synonymous with loan spells, having made moves to FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Mouscron, Gent, and Mainz 05.
Finally, he joined Union Berlin on loan during the 2020/21 season and made it permanent last July.
Now, he is on the move again, and this time it’s to fulfill a desire he didn’t get to enjoy at Liverpool.
How He Fits Into Nottingham Forests Set-Up
Awoniyi plays with a direct approach when in possession of the ball. The Nigerian delights in receiving quality service at Union for his goals.
A good combination with players like Brennan Johnson at Forest will help create opportunities for the Nigerian to flourish.
The 24-year-old had 2.2 shots per game whilst averaging one on target.
Also, Awoniyi created four big chances in the Bundesliga last season whilst registering 27 key passes.
Premier League and International Football Experience
Two seasons ago, Awoniyi was a Premier League player with Liverpool, although he didn’t make a senior appearance.
The non-premier league appearance was about work permit issues.
During his time at Liverpool, Awoniyi trained with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Robert Firmino before being loaned out.
Meanwhile, Awoniyi represented Nigeria at U17s, U20s, and U23s levels, and he won the first of his three caps for Nigeria against the Central African Republic in October 2021.
The former U17 star scored his first goal against Sudan in January at the Africa Cup of Nations.