Nottingham Forest may be left with little choice but to make a major decision regarding the future of Taiwo Awoniyi this summer, with the striker entering the final year of his contract at the City Ground
Nottingham Forest Face Summer Decision on Taiwo Awoniyi as Injury Concerns Continue
Nottingham Forest may be left with little choice but to make a major decision regarding the future of Taiwo Awoniyi this summer, with the striker entering the final year of his contract at the City Ground.
The Nigerian international has endured another frustrating campaign disrupted by injuries, although he has recently worked his way back into the starting line-up. Despite flashes of his quality, Forest now face uncertainty over whether they can continue relying on the 28-year-old as they prepare for next season.
Awoniyi made an immediate impact after arriving in England, scoring 10 Premier League goals in just 27 appearances during his debut season for Forest. His powerful attacking displays quickly made him a fan favourite and an important figure in the club’s survival battle.
However, injury setbacks have repeatedly stalled his progress. A serious groin issue ruled him out for around two months during his first campaign, and the same problems resurfaced the following season, restricting him to only 20 Premier League appearances.
Statistics further underline the challenge facing Forest. Awoniyi has averaged just 2.78 shots per game when fully fit, showing his ability to remain a dangerous attacking presence, while also recording an expected goals figure of 3.58 during parts of the campaign. Yet the club’s concern lies not in his quality, but in his availability.
With Forest aiming to build stability in the Premier League, the club must now weigh up whether offering a new contract represents too much risk or whether selling this summer would be the smarter long-term option before his value declines further.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo still values Awoniyi’s physicality and finishing ability, but Forest’s recruitment team may already be exploring alternatives in the transfer market as they seek greater reliability in attack.
As the summer window approaches, Awoniyi’s future is shaping up to be one of the key decisions facing Nottingham Forest ahead of the new season.
