Taiwo Awoniyi’s once-promising career at Nottingham Forest has hit a stumbling block.
The 27-year-old Nigerian striker, who arrived at the City Ground in 2022 for €20 million from Union Berlin, made an immediate impact in his debut Premier League season, scoring 10 goals in 27 appearances despite injury setbacks.
His heroics helped Forest retain their Premier League status, making him a fan favorite and the club’s main man up front.
However, injuries have continued to plague Awoniyi, and his influence has waned significantly. Last season, the forward managed only six goals in 23 appearances, missing a large chunk of games due to a groin issue.
This term, the Super Eagles striker has found himself on the periphery, playing 17 (starting just two) of Forest’s 22 Premier League matches and netting only once. Chris Wood, Forest’s other striking option, has seized the opportunity, bagging 14 goals in 22 games and establishing himself as the team’s primary forward under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Forest eye Wissa amid European football chase
Nottingham Forest’s search for attacking reinforcements has led them to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The Congolese forward has been one of the Premier League’s top performers this season, netting 11 goals in 19 appearances.
The 28-year-old, who joined Brentford from Lorient in 2021, has accumulated 41 goals in 133 appearances for the Bees, overtaking Ivan Toney as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.
With his current contract running until 2026 and Brentford holding an option for an additional year, it remains to be seen whether Thomas Frank’s side will part with one of their prized assets mid-season.
Time for Awoniyi to leave City Ground?
Reports suggest Forest would consider letting Awoniyi leave if they secure a replacement, and Wissa’s arrival could be the trigger. Awoniyi’s inability to stay fit, combined with his diminishing role at the club, makes a departure seem inevitable.
Despite his struggles, the Nigeria international still has suitors. West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Everton have all been linked with the striker, while a return to the Bundesliga remains a viable option.
Awoniyi’s reputation as a hard-working forward with a proven goal-scoring record in Germany makes him an attractive option for clubs in need of firepower. A fresh start elsewhere could be exactly what the former Liverpool forward needs to reignite his career.
He is under contract at Forest until 2027, but with Wood firmly established as the first-choice forward and Wissa potentially arriving, opportunities will be scarce.
