Taiwo Awoniyi sends clear transfer message amid Nottingham Forest question mark
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has poured cold water on talk he could leave Nottingham Forest before the January transfer window closes.
The Nigeria international has largely had to settle for a substitutes’ role this season and has found the back of the net just once so far in 19 appearances. It has led to doubts about his future at the City Ground with little more than a week to go before deadline day on February 3.
West Ham United have been credited with an interest in Awoniyi, who is under contract until 2027. But the 27-year-old has made clear he wants to remain Trentside to help Nuno Espirito Santo’s men in their quest to secure European football.
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"Transfers are part of football, and there will always be speculation, but my focus is entirely on Nottingham Forest,” he told SportsBoom.
"This is a team with a lot of potential and I want to be here to help achieve something special. I’m not thinking about leaving, I’m thinking about how I can contribute more to the success of this club.
"For me, it’s about staying prepared and taking my chances when they come. My personal goal is to contribute more, whether that’s scoring, assisting, or pushing my teammates to be better. But it’s not just about me, it’s about the team.
"Forest’s success is my success and as long as we keep moving forward, I’m happy. Balancing personal ambition with team goals is easier when you genuinely believe in the bigger picture."
Last week, head coach Nuno acknowledged Awoniyi needed game time to hit the kind of levels he has shown previously. But he insisted the front man can still play a key role for the Reds between now and May.
Awoniyi has been playing catch-up with his fitness and sharpness since missing a chunk of pre-season. It has not been an easy campaign for him, but he has always had the backing of the coaching staff.
"It’s been tough, no doubt,” he said. “As a player, you want to be on the pitch contributing every game. But I’ve learned that patience and hard work are key.
"My motivation comes from knowing that my opportunity will come, and when it does I want to make it count. I train hard, keep my head down and focus on being ready when called upon. The success of the team motivates me and I’m proud to be part of it, even if my role has been smaller than I hoped.
"I’ve spoken with the coaches and they’ve been very supportive. They see me as an important part of the squad, even if I’m not starting regularly.
“They’ve emphasised the importance of staying ready and being a team player. It’s reassuring to know that they value what I bring to the table and it pushes me to keep giving my best.
Forest are third in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Bournemouth (3pm kick-off). They go into that clash looking to make it 10 games unbeaten in all competitions, with a united dressing room at the heart of their success.
"It’s the team spirit. Everyone in this squad has bought into the vision and that’s what sets us apart,” Awoniyi explained. “We play for each other and for the fans.
“The atmosphere in the stadium and in the dressing room is electric. Our success comes from knowing we are in this together; every tackle, every pass, every goal counts."
