Taiwo Awoniyi’s value drop following struggles at Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi’s time at Nottingham Forest has taken a difficult turn, with the Nigerian striker’s value dropping due to limited playing opportunities under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to Transfermarkt, Awoniyi’s market value has fallen from €30 million to €22 million (around ₦13.6 billion). His lack of game time, largely due to the rise of Chris Wood as Forest’s preferred striker, has cast doubts over his future at the club.
Awoniyi’s progress at Forest has been hindered by recurring injuries, which initially prompted the club to sign Chris Wood from Newcastle United as a backup option.
However, Wood’s excellent form this season has seen him emerge as the team’s main striker. The New Zealand international has already scored 10 goals in the 2024-25 campaign, making him Forest’s top scorer and pushing Awoniyi further down the pecking order.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged Awoniyi’s struggles, attributing them to fitness issues and a lack of confidence.
“It’s his fitness, his confidence, and he is looking for his goal. Everything changes for a striker when they score; suddenly, everything clicks. We trust him and are waiting for that moment,” Santo said.
The Forest manager also spoke about the club’s attempts to give Awoniyi more game time, despite setbacks caused by his international commitments.
“Unfortunately, just before the last international break, he played for us but then went to his national team and only played five minutes. That was a step back,” Santo explained.
Amid Awoniyi’s ongoing struggles, reports suggest that Nottingham Forest are now willing to listen to offers for the Super Eagles striker.
Sources close to the club indicate that Awoniyi is growing frustrated with his limited role. While he was previously linked to Premier League sides like West Ham, a move to the Hammers now seems unlikely following their summer signing of Niklas Fullkrug.
Awoniyi’s future at Nottingham Forest remains uncertain, but a January transfer could provide the Nigerian forward with a fresh start and a chance to revive his career.
