Credit: NFFC on YouTube

Evan Lloyd

Wed 20 May 2026 11:31, UK

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Nottingham Forest will be forced to make a decision on the future of Taiwo Awoniyi this summer as his contract enters its final year.

The Nigeria international has suffered yet another injury-hit campaign, but recent weeks have seen him return to the starting line-up.

Awoniyi starred against Chelsea at the start of the month, scoring twice as Vitor Pereira’s side secured a famous 3-1 win.

The Tricky Trees have already secured Premier League safety, and will now begin to think about their summer transfer business.

Nottingham Forest transfer chiefs have a decision to make on Awoniyi, who may have potential suitors this summer.

Nottingham Forest must let Taiwo Awoniyi go

Awoniyi was spectacular against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, dominating his markers and proving a constant threat.

For fans of the Tricky Trees, it was likely a flashback to the beastly striker the Nigerian represented after his arrival from Union Berlin in 2022.

The 28-year-old netted 10 goals in just 27 Premier League appearances in his opening campaign at the City Ground, but the injury problems were already there.

Awoniyi’s groin injury kept him out for two months and the problems re-emerged in the next campaign, allowing him to make just 20 Premier League appearances.

The last two seasons have not brought a major injury for the Nigeria international, but the form of Chris Wood, and this season, Igor Jesus, has kept him out of the team.

Pereira has encouraged better showings from Awoniyi, and the striker has undoubtedly played a part in the clinching of Premier League safety over the last couple of months.

However, Nottingham Forest must now make the difficult decision to let the forward go this summer.

Considering the injuries for both him and Wood, an addition is needed, and Awoniyi’s contract situation has made the choice easy for decision-makers.

What Vitor Pereira said about Awoniyi

When he does leave, Awoniyi will be remembered fondly at the City Ground. The striker has scored several goals to keep Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and has always put his body on the line.

He still has plenty to offer and could well star in a different league, but the Tricky Trees may need to move on to progress.

“Everything – Taiwo is a danger player,” said Pereira when he was asked what Awoniyi brings to the team after his match-winning display against Chelsea.

“He is not on the list in the Europa League, but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents because he runs, attacks the space, holds the ball and this is the kind of spirit and the smile and energy we need in this team.”