Coventry City have made another major statement ahead of their return to the Premier League, with Taiwo Awoniyi set to join from Nottingham Forest in a £17 million deal.
The Nigeria international has reportedly been given permission to undergo a medical before completing his move to the Sky Blues.
Awoniyi Set for Coventry Move
Awoniyi is set to bring his four-year spell at Nottingham Forest to an end after making 103 appearances for the club.
The 29-year-old scored 23 goals and registered six assists during his time at the City Ground.
He has now emerged as Frank Lampard’s latest attacking target as Coventry prepare for their first Premier League campaign.
Lampard is reportedly believed to have played a major role in pushing the deal through.
Why Forest Are Letting Him Leave
Awoniyi has featured regularly during Forest’s pre-season, including a 45-minute appearance against Bayer Leverkusen in their final friendly.
However, competition for places in Oliver Glasner’s attack has increased significantly.
Chris Wood, Igor Jesus, Dan Ndoye and Arnaud Kalimuendo are all options for Forest in the forward positions.
Awoniyi also started just three Premier League matches last season, despite making 17 appearances and scoring four goals.
He was also left out of Forest’s Europa League squad.
A permanent move to Coventry therefore gives him the opportunity to secure more regular first-team football.
Lampard Making Another Big Statement
Coventry have already been extremely active in the transfer market.
The Sky Blues have broken their club transfer record multiple times this summer, including the £23.1 million signing of Caleb Yirenkyi from Nordsjaelland.
They have also brought in Carl Rushworth permanently from Brighton, re-signed Gustavo Hamer and added Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Frank Onyeka.
Awoniyi’s arrival would provide another significant attacking option.
He would join Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms among Coventry’s forward options.
Awoniyi Could Face Arsenal Immediately
The timing of the transfer could hardly be more interesting.
Coventry begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on Friday, August 21.
With Haji Wright currently dealing with an injury, Awoniyi could potentially be thrown straight into Lampard’s starting plans if his medical and transfer are completed in time.
That would give the Nigerian striker an immediate opportunity to make his mark in the Premier League with his new club.
A Major Signing for Coventry
After winning the Championship, Coventry are clearly refusing to simply make up the numbers in the Premier League.
The signing of an experienced Premier League striker for £17 million represents another major statement from the club.
For Forest, meanwhile, the move allows them to reduce their attacking numbers while giving Awoniyi the chance to revive his career with regular football.
If the medical goes smoothly, Coventry will have another major Premier League signing through the door — and Awoniyi could be in line for a huge debut against Arsenal.
