Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi appears to be entering a pivotal phase in his career, as questions loom over his future at Nottingham Forest with just one year remaining on his current contract at the Premier League club, Naija Footy reports.
The 28-year-old joined Forest four seasons ago and was instrumental in helping the team secure its Premier League status during his early years. However, recurring injury problems have hampered his consistency, ultimately causing him to lose his position as the team’s primary striker.
Awoniyi endured a challenging 2025/26 season, managing only three starts in the Premier League and missing out on a spot in Forest’s Europa League squad. His reduced role has fueled speculation that the club might consider offloading the Nigerian international as it aims to streamline its squad in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
The competition for attacking spots has intensified, with Chris Wood firmly holding a starting role alongside Igor Jesus, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Lorenzo Lucca. However, reports suggesting Turkish side Besiktas is interested in signing Igor Jesus could shake things up, particularly if that deal goes through.
Nottingham Forest is reportedly demanding around €40 million for Igor Jesus and is unwilling to sell him on the cheap. Should Besiktas agree to that valuation, it might open up more opportunities for Awoniyi to reclaim regular playing time under manager Vítor Pereira, assuming he can address his fitness concerns.
Despite the current uncertainty, Awoniyi remains a proven goalscorer with extensive Premier League experience. With his contract nearing its expiration, Forest faces a crucial decision: extend his stay, sell him during the current transfer window, or risk letting him leave for free next summer. The striker is likely to attract attention from clubs across Europe’s top leagues should he become available.
