Taiwo Awoniyi could be on his way out of Nottingham Forest in January, with German side Werder Bremen circling, but the Nigerian forward is still believed to favour staying in the Premier League if a deal lands on the table.
The 28 year old has slipped down the pecking order at the City Ground since returning from injury in October, managing just four Premier League appearances this season and only 133 minutes of football. His struggle to get back into the XI, plus Forest’s push to build their attack around Igor Jesus, has fuelled talk of a mid season move.
Before his latest setback, Forest were even weighing up a contract extension for the former Union Berlin man. That idea now looks shelved, with the club’s board no longer convinced he can lead the line long term, especially with his form tailing off since returning from the treatment room.
Awoniyi, who bagged 10 league goals last campaign and was one of Forest’s key figures in their survival push, is now said to be open to a fresh start. Sources close to the player say Werder Bremen has been monitoring him since last summer and have already made enquiries heading into the winter window. The Bundesliga outfit know him well from his Union Berlin days and believe he could fit seamlessly back into German football.
There’s also interest closer to home. Two unnamed Premier League clubs and a handful of Championship sides has sounded out his camp, though the striker prefers to stay in the top flight and isn’t keen on dropping down a division. Forest, meanwhile, are pressing ahead with efforts to recruit another forward who can partner or rotate with Igor Jesus, making Awoniyi’s departure feel increasingly likely.
A big factor behind staying in England is off the pitch. Awoniyi has settled his wife, children and extended family in the country, making England feel like a second home after Nigeria. Moving abroad again, even for regular minutes, isn’t a simple decision.
If he does move in January, Forest would need to replace one of their biggest attacking weapons and a player who, when fit, has proven he can bully Premier League defences. With the club fighting to avoid a relegation scrap again this season, losing him without a suitable alternative could be a gamble.
Forest are back in action after the international break, and Awoniyi’s situation is expected to heat up as the window draws closer. Whether he stays in England or heads back to Germany, this story isn’t going quiet anytime soon.