Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest remains unclear

Taiwo Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest is in doubt after a wave of new arrivals at the City Ground has pushed the Nigerian striker further down the pecking order, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Forest have given the 28-year-old the green light to leave the club following the addition of several forwards this summer according to Football Insider.

Awoniyi, who was an unused substitute in Forest’s 3-1 victory over Brentford on the opening day of the Premier League season is now surplus to requirements per the report.

Chris Wood, who scored twice against Brentford, remains the club’s leading striker, while Forest’s £17m signing Igor Jesus was brought on from the bench ahead of Awoniyi. Before kick-off, the City Ground crowd also welcomed Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee, two further attacking recruits who have added to Nuno Espírito Santo’s options.
The pressure on Awoniyi’s position increased further when Forest confirmed on Sunday the signing of French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes for £26m.

Kalimuendo, 23, was Ligue 1’s third highest scorer last season, registering 18 goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

The former Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate is reportedly viewed as a long-term attacking solution, and his arrival has effectively relegated Awoniyi to fourth-choice striker.

Having struggled for regular opportunities last season, when he managed only one Premier League goal, the Nigerian is now expected to consider a move away in search of playing time.

“Kalimunendo brings with him goal scoring pedigree from France and at 23, the striker has yet to hit his peak,” Football Insider reported.

“Wood though is now under less pressure to score the goals given Santo has options on his bench to use if required.

“A bigger squad though means a couple of fringe players could depart and Awoniyi looks to be in that category.”

Santo has overseen a busy transfer window, with Forest strengthening ahead of their return to European football. The Portuguese manager has secured three signings in the past week alone, a recruitment drive designed to add depth and competition across the squad.

Awoniyi, who joined Forest in 2022 from Union Berlin, has endured a mixed spell in England. Despite a promising debut season where he scored crucial goals to keep Forest in the Premier League, his impact waned in the last two seasons due to injuries and inconsistent form.

Source: Daily Post