Coventry City have officially added Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi to their ranks, securing the forward from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £9m. The move bolsters their attacking lineup as they gear up for their Premier League comeback.
The 29-year-old joins just days before Coventry’s season opener against reigning champions Arsenal on Friday. This transfer concludes Awoniyi’s four-year tenure at Forest, where he arrived in 2022 from Union Berlin for a then-club-record fee of £17.2m.
Taiwo Awoniyi joins Coventry City
During his time at Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi netted 23 goals across 103 appearances. However, his playing time dwindled over the past year, as he fell behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order. He was also left out of Forest’s Europa League squad for the current season.
In the previous campaign, the striker managed just three starts, contributing four goals in 17 appearances across all competitions. His exit now provides Coventry with an additional offensive threat as they prepare for top-flight football after a 25-year hiatus.
Before his departure, Awoniyi was given a heartfelt send-off by his teammates and coaching staff at Forest. The squad lined up to applaud him at halftime during Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Brest at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest bids farewell to Awoniyi
Forest boss Oliver Glasner spoke highly of Awoniyi’s professionalism following the team’s 2-0 win over the Ligue 1 side. He called the Nigerian one of the most genuine individuals he has encountered, noting his unwavering upbeat demeanor around the training ground.
Glasner also emphasized that Awoniyi consistently gave his best for the squad, even from the bench, and deserved the touching tribute he received. The Forest manager wished him success at his new club, adding humorously that he hoped Awoniyi would not shine too brightly when the two sides face off.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis also expressed his gratitude, stating that Awoniyi will always hold a significant place in Forest’s history. He acknowledged the striker’s crucial role in the club’s recent journey and the memorable moments he delivered to supporters.
Awoniyi’s Forest chapter and injury ordeal
Awoniyi’s stint at Nottingham Forest was not without challenges. In May 2025, he suffered a severe injury, rupturing his intestine after colliding with a post during a match against Leicester, which required him to be placed in an induced coma.
Despite that harrowing experience, Awoniyi remained with Forest until this transfer. His final season saw him score four goals in 17 outings, though limited starts meant he had a diminished role compared to his earlier years at the club.
His four-year spell concluded with 23 goals in 103 games. Now, with Forest accepting a £9m fee, Awoniyi embarks on a new challenge as Coventry prepares for their first Premier League season in 25 years.
Coventry City bolster squad for Premier League
Coventry have been busy reinforcing their roster ahead of the new campaign. They have re-signed midfielder Gus Hamer from Sheffield United and brought back goalkeeper Carl Rushworth after his successful loan from Brighton.
Additional arrivals include winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt, and Ghanaian forward Caleb Yirenkyi from Nordsjaelland.
Awoniyi’s addition comes at a crucial time for manager Frank Lampard, especially with striker Haji Wright sidelined due to injury. Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms remain the other fit forward options as Coventry head to Arsenal on Friday.