Chelsea made a surprising late attempt to sign the Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, in the final week of the summer transfer window. The move took many by surprise. Especially considering Chelsea had already signed Nicolas Jackson earlier in the summer. However, the club appeared to be in the market looking for additional attacking options. Especially because of Christopher Nkunku being sidelined until January. Taiwo Awoniyi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, for a significant fee of £17.5 million, had made a strong impression in the previous season. He finished that season on a high note. He scored six goals in the final four games, including a memorable brace against Chelsea. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker carried his good form into the new season. He scored in each of the first three games.
Chelsea’s interest in Awoniyi likely stemmed from his qualities as a powerful and pacey striker. Also his versatility as an all-round forward capable of creating chances for others. However, the move didn’t progress beyond an initial inquiry, and Nottingham Forest ultimately secured Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Awoniyi’s loan spell at different clubs
Awoniyi’s career journey has taken him from Liverpool, where he signed in 2015 but faced work permit issues, forcing him to go for various loan spells. That was in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, before finding success at Union Berlin.
While Chelsea’s attempt to sign Awoniyi didn’t come to fruition, his continued strong performances for Nottingham Forest suggest that he could be a player to watch in the future. His versatility as an attacker makes him a valuable asset for the club. They pursue their ambitions in domestic and international competitions. Awoniyi’s journey in football has been marked by resilience and determination. Moreover, he may yet make a significant impact on the Premier League in the years to come.
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