Sport nationWest Ham United’s Pursuit of Taiwo Awoniyi: A £20m Deal in the Works?
West Ham United’s search for a new striker has led them to Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, with reports emerging that the Irons have made an approach to sign the Nigerian international this month. According to Jack Rosser, a journalist for The Sun, West Ham have indeed expressed interest in Awoniyi, with the club contacting Forest over a potential loan deal.
As the January transfer window heats up, West Ham’s need for a clinical striker has become increasingly apparent. With Gianluca Scamacca struggling to find his footing in the Premier League, David Moyes’ successor, Graham Potter, is keen to bolster his attacking options. Awoniyi, who has impressed at Nottingham Forest since his arrival from Union Berlin in 2022, has emerged as a top target for the Hammers.
The 26-year-old striker has been in decent form for Forest this season, scoring five goals in 17 Premier League appearances. While his statistics may not be spectacular, Awoniyi’s hold-up play, work rate, and ability to bring others into the game have made him a valuable asset to Steve Cooper’s side.
West Ham’s interest in Awoniyi is believed to be genuine, with the club reportedly willing to pay a loan fee to secure his services until the end of the season. However, any potential deal will likely depend on Nottingham Forest’s valuation of the player. With Awoniyi’s contract running until 2025, Forest may be reluctant to let him go without receiving a substantial offer.
According to reports, West Ham are prepared to offer a significant loan fee to secure Awoniyi’s services, with some sources suggesting that the deal could be worth up to £20m. While this figure may seem substantial, it’s worth noting that Awoniyi’s permanent transfer value is likely to be much higher.
As the negotiations between West Ham and Nottingham Forest continue, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached. However, one thing is clear: West Ham’s pursuit of Taiwo Awoniyi is a clear indication of the club’s desire to strengthen their attacking options and push for a top-seven finish in the Premier League.
In the coming days, West Ham fans will be eagerly awaiting any updates on the Awoniyi transfer saga. With the club’s attacking woes well-documented, the arrival of a clinical striker like Awoniyi could be the catalyst for a successful second half of the season. As the transfer window enters its final stages, West Ham’s pursuit of Taiwo Awoniyi is a story worth keeping a close eye on.
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