Taiwo Awoniyi: Why Nottingham Forest are prepared to part ways with Super Eagles star

Nottingham Forest are prepared to part ways with Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi this summer, Afrik Foot reports.

The Nigerian has experienced a continued slide down the pecking order at the City Ground this season, raising concerns about his future.

The 28-year-old was left out of the squad entirely during Forest’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, as Chris Wood and Igor Jesus were preferred in attack. Awoniyi has yet to play a game for Forest this month.

His last appearance for the Reds came on the 22nd of March, where he came off the bench at the London Stadium to score against Tottenham Hotspur.

Taiwo Awoniyi to exit Nottingham Forest this summer

The former Union Berlin has started just one Premier League game for Nottingham Forest this season, none under current coach Vitor Pereira.

Across all competitions, Awoniyi has been subject to just 13 appearances this season, scoring two goals and racking up roughly 300 minutes.

Pereira’s public backing of Wood and Jesus as a possible attacking duo moving forward has only intensified speculation over Awoniyi’s future.

Also, Forest are in the market for a striker, and at the moment, it appears the Super Eagles forward will be the one to make way.

According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, the writing may already be on the wall.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested Forest would be open to offers for the Nigerian forward if he fails to regain the trust of the current manager.

““Nottingham Forest will be prepared to let Awoniyi move on,” the 75-year-old said.

“While he’s been there, he’s not been consistent enough, and every now and then he can do something positive but then he’ll fade away again.

“If Chris Wood and Igor Jesus are fit, he’s not going to have a role to play there, and now the manager has pretty much come out and said that.

“He came in when there were injuries and did fine, but unfortunately I’m not convinced he’s the type of striker you want to rely on in the Premier League.

“On a given day, he can do something impressive, but there’s a reason he hasn’t managed to make an impact under any of the managers they’ve had this season.

“So if they can raise some money from him in the summer, I expect they will be prepared to let him go and then they can use the money elsewhere.”

Awoniyi’s future may also hinge on developments surrounding Igor Jesus. Reports suggest the Brazilian striker could attract interest from European clubs after impressing in Europe despite struggling domestically.

Jesus has scored just three Premier League goals in 31 matches, compared to seven in 11 Europa League games. If he were to leave, squad dynamics could shift again.

As things stand, Awoniyi appears to be surplus to requirements under Pereira, and with his contract running out next season, this summer poses the best chance for Forest to cash in on the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner.