In the final week of the summer transfer window, Chelsea tried to sign the Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi. Chelsea made an unexpected late inquiry about Taiwo Awoniyi as they attempted to recruit the Nottingham Forest attacker.
The Athletic claims that during the final 48 hours of the transfer window, Chelsea inquired about signing Awoniyi. Chelsea signed Nicolas Jackson in the summer. But despite Jackson’s great attributes, he hasn’t displayed consistency in front of the goal. Since Christopher Nkunku won’t be available until later this year, Chelsea may have looked into another striker, possibly favouring Forest’s Awoniyi.
Although the deal fell through, Forest did succeed in acquiring Callum Hudson-Odoi from Chelsea.
What made Chelsea inquire about Taiwo Awoniyi?
In 2022, Forest seized the opportunity to sign Awoniyi from Union Berlin, paying a substantial £17.5 million transfer fee to get him back to England.
Last season, Awoniyi had shown a lot of promise, but he truly came into his own in the final four games, scoring six goals, including a brace against Chelsea. The 26-year-old carried that momentum into this campaign, scoring in each of the first three games. Even though Awoniyi failed to score against Chelsea at the weekend, he still provided Anthony Elanga with the assist to score the game-winning goal.
Awoniyi has demonstrated the ability to finish his opportunities and even create them for others. He has proven that he is ‘much more than just a strong striker with good speed‘. Awoniyi, who is becoming into a real all-around forward, attracted Chelsea’s attention because of his exceptional performances for Forest. However, Steve Cooper will be glad to have kept hold of him.
In 2021, Liverpool sold Taiwo Awoniyi
Awoniyi would have rejoined one of the top teams in the Premier League if he had moved to Chelsea.
After establishing himself as a genuine talent in Nigeria, Awoniyi signed for Liverpool back in August 2015. Unfortunately for Awoniyi and Liverpool, he was never successful in getting a work permit to play in England and left on loan.
Before Awoniyi made a permanent move, he was signed by FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Mouscron (twice), Gent, Mainz, and Union Berlin. Liverpool made £6.5 million for Awoniyi in 2021. The Reds also kept a portion of the transfer fee when Forest signed Taiwo the following year.
The Reds are well aware of Awoniyi’s potential. Even though it didn’t work out for Chelsea this time, the Reds may well anticipate a significant transfer in the future.
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