Full Breakdown
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Transfer from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City
8/16/2026, 7:51:00 PM
Core Event – Transfer Details
Coventry City have agreed a permanent deal with Nottingham Forest for Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with a reported fee of roughly £17 million. The agreement is at the medical stage, and the player is expected to complete the move before Coventry’s Premier League opener against Arsenal. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the clubs have reached a club-to-club agreement and the medical is underway.
Background & Context
Awoniyi joined Forest in summer 2022 for a then-record £17.2 million after a spell at Union Berlin. He scored decisive goals against Liverpool and Arsenal that helped Forest avoid relegation in his first season. Over two seasons he made 23 goals in 103 appearances, but injuries and competition limited his playing time; he started only three Premier League games last season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances.
Coventry City are returning to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. This summer they have broken their transfer record three times, adding Carl Rushworth, Aurele Amenda, Loum Tchaouna and Caleb Yirenkyi. Awoniyi is presented as a marquee addition to Frank Lampard’s attacking options.
Data & Statistics
- Transfer fee: ? £17 million (Coventry).
- Forest fee: £17.2 million (record at the time).
- Forest record: 23 goals in 103 games; 10 league goals in 2022/23.
- 2022/23 Premier League contribution: 2 goals and 1 assist in a 3-1 win over Chelsea; 1 goal in a 3-0 win at Tottenham.
- Injuries: missed 56 games for club and country.
- Age: reports list Awoniyi as 28 or 29.
Official Statements & Responses
Coventry City confirmed the agreement is subject to a successful medical and standard documentation. Nottingham Forest acknowledged the deal as the conclusion of Awoniyi’s four-year spell, allowing the club to reshape its attacking options.
Why It Matters
The signing adds Premier League experience to a squad that must adapt quickly to top-flight intensity. Awoniyi’s ability to hold up the ball, make runs behind defenders and involve teammates fits Lampard’s tactical plan.
For Awoniyi, regular football at Coventry offers a pathway to re-establish form and regain a place in Nigeria’s national team, where competition from Victor Osimhen and others is strong. Consistent performances could revive his international prospects and justify his original investment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age: some sources list 28, others 29.
- Transfer fee currency: one report cites €20.5 million for the Forest fee, others £17.2 million (currency conversion).
- Exact timing: no specific date for the medical completion or official announcement.
What’s Next
The medical examination is the final hurdle before the transfer is formally announced. Assuming a successful outcome, Awoniyi will join Coventry’s pre-season preparations and be available for selection in the Premier League debut against Arsenal. His integration into Lampard’s system will be monitored as Coventry seeks to secure top-flight status.
