Nottingham Forest are gearing up for a busy conclusion to the January transfer window, with rumors swirling about potential departures and arrivals at the City Ground. The latest reports suggest that West Ham United have initiated talks with Forest over a possible move for Taiwo Awoniyi, a development that could reshape Forest’s attacking options in the second half of the season.
Awoniyi, who joined Forest in the summer of 2022 for £17.5 million from Union Berlin, was the club’s first major signing after their promotion to the Premier League. During the 2022/23 campaign, he was a standout performer, scoring 11 Premier League goals despite suffering a groin injury that limited his availability. His goals played a crucial role in keeping Forest in the top flight, earning him a place in the hearts of fans.
This season, however, has been a different story for the Nigerian striker. With Chris Wood in excellent form, Awoniyi has struggled for game time and has managed just one goal so far. As a result, speculation about his future has intensified, especially as West Ham United find themselves in desperate need of a striker. Injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Fullkrug have left the Hammers short of options in attack, making Awoniyi an attractive target.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany has reported that negotiations between West Ham and Forest are underway, signaling a potential breakthrough. While earlier reports suggested that Forest were unwilling to part ways with Awoniyi, it seems the club may now be open to a deal, particularly if it allows them to reinvest in the squad.
For Forest, the potential departure of Awoniyi would leave a void that must be addressed before the transfer window closes. With Chris Wood turning 33 this year, relying solely on him for the remainder of the season would be a significant risk. This has led Forest to explore options for reinforcements, with Igor Jesus and Yuri Alberto emerging as key targets.
Igor Jesus, currently playing in Brazil, is reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Forest. His potential arrival could provide the pace, technical ability, and goalscoring threat needed to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Meanwhile, Yuri Alberto, a talented forward from Corinthians, is another player Forest are monitoring. A move for Alberto would not only strengthen the squad but also reunite him with defender Murillo, who has already made a positive impact at the City Ground.
The importance of securing a replacement for Awoniyi cannot be overstated. Forest’s survival in the Premier League hinges on having a reliable goalscorer, and while Chris Wood has been in fine form, the club cannot afford to gamble on his fitness for the rest of the campaign. Whether it’s Igor Jesus, Yuri Alberto, or another target, Forest’s recruitment team will need to act swiftly to ensure the squad is equipped for the challenges ahead.
If Awoniyi does leave, he will depart with the best wishes of the club and fans alike. His contributions during the 2022/23 season will not be forgotten, and he will be remembered as a key figure in Forest’s fight to remain in the Premier League. However, football is a constantly evolving game, and Forest must prioritize the future to maintain their momentum under Nuno Espirito Santo.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for Nottingham Forest. With the club sitting in a respectable position in the league and having taken four points off leaders Liverpool this season, there is a strong foundation to build upon. However, the decisions made in the final days of the transfer window could determine whether Forest continue to progress or find themselves drawn into a relegation battle. For now, all eyes will be on the club’s recruitment team as they work to navigate the challenges of the January market.