West Ham United has initiated talks with Nottingham Forest to secure the signing of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, Give Me Sport reports via Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The London club is wasting no time in addressing their urgent need for a striker, and discussions between the two clubs are reportedly progressing.
A Critical Situation for West Ham’s Attack
The Hammers are facing a striker crisis, with injuries to key players derailing their plans. Summer signing Niclas Füllkrug, who impressed at Borussia Dortmund and during EURO 2024, is sidelined until April with a hamstring injury. Adding to their woes, Michail Antonio was ruled out for the season following a car accident in December. These setbacks have left West Ham scrambling to reinforce their forward line as they aim to maintain their Premier League ambitions.
In response, West Ham’s transfer chiefs have turned to Taiwo Awoniyi as their primary target. Talks are already underway with Nottingham Forest to bring the powerful forward to the London Stadium as an emergency solution.
Awoniyi: A Proven Premier League Striker
Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 and has since made 63 Premier League appearances, scoring 17 goals. While his early form at Forest was inconsistent, a late-season surge of six goals in four games during the 2022/23 campaign helped the team avoid relegation. This standout period cemented his reputation as a striker capable of delivering in crucial moments.
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Currently contracted with Forest until 2027, Awoniyi has found himself out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with Chris Wood taking the starting striker role. This situation has opened the door for West Ham to step in and offer the Nigerian international a chance to return to regular first-team football.
Why Awoniyi Fits West Ham’s Plans
Known for his strength, speed, and aerial ability, Awoniyi has been described as a “monster” on the pitch, a quality that aligns perfectly with West Ham’s physical style of play. Manager Graham Potter is reportedly keen to integrate the 25-year-old into his attacking setup, where he could bring a dynamic presence either as a lone striker or in a supporting role.
Deal Moving Forward
Negotiations are described as serious, with both clubs working towards an agreement that suits all parties. For Nottingham Forest, offloading Awoniyi could free up resources and playing time for other options in their squad. Meanwhile, West Ham is eager to finalize the deal quickly, ensuring Awoniyi is available for the critical second half of their Premier League campaign.
A Solution in Sight
With talks already underway, West Ham appears determined to secure Taiwo Awoniyi’s signature as they look to resolve their striker dilemma. If successful, the Nigerian forward could prove to be a transformative addition to Graham Potter’s squad, bringing much-needed firepower to their attack.
