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Everton Football Club is looking forward to reinforcing its attacking power with the inclusion of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest before the close of the January transfer window. Several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, have been following the 27-year-old striker because of his proven record to elevate offensive capabilities.
Taiwo Awoniyi moved to Nottingham Forest in summer 2022 and promptly got down to work, netting 11 goals in his maiden season in the Premier League to help Forest stave off relegation. This season has seen him fall down the pecking order, with Awoniyi finding the target only once in 17 appearances thus far this season. This season, however, the form of Chris Wood-14 in 22 league games-has restricted Awoniyi to just a handful of opportunities under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The transfer target from Everton fits into the strategy of the club to improve the attacking lineup that has struggled this season. The Toffees have struggled in front of goal this season, and signing an experienced forward has been viewed as the most urgent priority. With his powerful presence, pace, and goal-scoring instincts, Awoniyi is perfect to complement Everton’s offensive game.
West Ham have also declared interest in Awoniyi and have approached Nottingham Forest for probable negotiations about the player. With injuries up front striking at probably the worst time, first-choice strikers Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug of the Hammers are presently out injured. With this, it is reported that West Ham weighs their option between loan and permanent moves, but a £30m valuation from Nottingham Forest probably depends on finding a replacement striker.
Not on those terms, it seems: Nottingham Forest is ready to let Awoniyi go, but on their terms. Indeed, the club is ready to let him go should a loan deal with an obligation to buy or a straight transfer in the region of £30 million be agreed to. Already, Forest are pushing to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as a replacement, one that may give the green light for Awoniyi to exit the club.
Notwithstanding the speculations that have him leave for other clubs, Awoniyi has always made it known he is committed to Nottingham Forest, a fact he reiterated in an interview when he said his mind was focused on how he could contribute to the success of the team and waved off speculation linking him to other clubs. “Transfers are part of football, and there will always be speculation. But my focus is entirely on Nottingham Forest,” Awoniyi said.
