Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is reportedly in discussions with West Ham United over a potential January transfer from Nottingham Forest.
The Hammers are said to be making a “serious attempt” to sign the 27-year-old striker, according to Sky Sports, although no fee has been disclosed.
Awoniyi has been a key figure for Forest since their promotion to the Premier League, scoring vital goals to help secure their top-flight status in their first two seasons.
However, the Nigerian forward has struggled with injuries this season, though he recently netted his first goal of the campaign in Forest’s 3-0 victory over Wolves. He also made a brief appearance from the bench in Tuesday’s game against Liverpool.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed the talks on social media platform X
West Ham are now making a serious attempt to sign Taiwo #Awoniyi with immediate effect.
Talks have started! #WHUFC
The 27y/o striker is currently under contract with Forest until 2027.@SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/dFUdpWtyBE
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 15, 2025
Forest are reportedly only willing to part with Awoniyi if a replacement is secured first, with the club still holding an interest in Mexican striker Santiago Giménez of Feyenoord, who turned down a move to the Premier League in the summer.
Sky Sports’ Midlands reporter Danyal Khan believes a move to West Ham would make sense for Awoniyi.
“West Ham are in desperate need of a striker due to injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio’s long-term absence,” he said.
“Awoniyi was crucial for Forest in their first two seasons in the Premier League, scoring important goals to keep them up. But after a serious injury last season, he’s struggled to regain his sharpness, partly due to the form of Chris Wood.”
Khan added that Awoniyi could thrive at West Ham with more regular game time, noting, “He’s a fantastic striker when he’s fully fit, and he just needs the opportunity to get back to his best.”
West Ham’s striker crisis worsened with the injury to Füllkrug in their FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa last Friday, and Antonio continues to recover from serious injuries sustained in a car crash before Christmas.
