AWONIYI IN or OUT? Nuno Espirito Gives His FINAL Stance on Awoniyi’s Future at the Club and it is….

Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi Open to January Exit Amid West Ham United Interest

Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian international striker Taiwo Awoniyi is reportedly open to a move away from the City Ground before the January transfer window closes. Awoniyi, who has been restricted to a substitutes’ role for the majority of the season, has caught the attention of West Ham United, sparking speculation about his future at Forest.

According to Nigerian publication Soccernet, sources close to Awoniyi have indicated that the 27-year-old is “open to exploring a move away” from Nottingham Forest. Awoniyi’s desire for more regular game time is believed to be the primary motivation behind his potential departure.

Awoniyi has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Forest this season, but has not started in the league since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in November. He scored his first goal of the campaign from off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month, highlighting his ability to make an impact in limited opportunities.

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has insisted that Awoniyi still has a part to play for the Reds this season as they push to secure European football. However, Nuno’s comments were tempered by the acknowledgment that Awoniyi needs more minutes to hit the levels he has shown previously.

“He can absolutely get back (to that previous level). Yes, absolutely. Because he shows it every day,” Nuno said. “He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club. I was fortunate enough to see many of the games that Taiwo was involved in and his performance level was very high. I am absolutely confident that he will get back to that.

“He has to be ready, whether it is minute one or minute 90 that he is involved. The other part is mentality. I am sure he is totally focused and committed to the club.”

Despite Nuno’s positive assessment of Awoniyi’s abilities, the striker’s future at Forest remains uncertain. West Ham United’s interest in Awoniyi has been well-documented, and the Hammers may be tempted to make a move for the Nigerian international before the January transfer window closes.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are on the lookout for more firepower this month as they try to consolidate their position in the top four of the Premier League. The Reds have had a bid rejected for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and are now said to have their eye on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

While Awoniyi’s potential departure may be a blow to Forest’s attacking options, the club is unlikely to countenance a move for the striker before securing the services of a suitable replacement. With the January transfer window set to close on February 3, the next fortnight is likely to be a critical period for Nottingham Forest’s transfer plans.