Coventry agree deal for Forest striker Awoniyi

Coventry City Lock In £17m Signing Ahead of Premier League Comeback

Ninoda.com – The Sky Blues are set to complete a transfer valued at approximately £17 million for Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, with the deal expected to be finalised before Friday’s top-flight opener against Arsenal. The move marks a major statement as Coventry prepare to re-enter the Premier League for the first time in a quarter century.

Awoniyi’s Path to Coventry

The 29-year-old Nigeria international originally joined Liverpool in 2015, though he never made a senior appearance for the Anfield side. His career took shape when Union Berlin released him and Forest swooped in 2022 with a then-club-record fee of £17.2 million.

Over 103 appearances at the City Ground, Awoniyi found the net 23 times. However, his role diminished as Chris Wood and Igor Jesus established themselves above him in the attacking hierarchy. He was omitted from last season’s Europa League squad entirely and started only three matches, managing four goals across 17 games in all competitions.

A Setback in May

In May 2025, Awoniyi suffered a severe injury after colliding with a goalpost during a fixture against Leicester. The impact ruptured his intestine and required him to be placed in an induced coma for treatment.

Building the New Coventry Squad

Manager Frank Lampard has been active throughout the summer beyond this latest acquisition. Midfielder Gus Hamer was re-signed from Sheffield United, while goalkeeper Carl Rushworth returned following a productive loan spell at Brighton. Winger Loum Tchaouna arrived from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda came in from Eintracht Frankfurt, and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi joined from Nordsjaelland.

With striker Haji Wright currently sidelined by injury, Lampard’s available goalscoring options heading into the season opener rest with Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms — until Awoniyi’s paperwork is completed and he joins their ranks.