‘Nottingham Forest set for Taiwo Awoniyi decision as striker search intensifies’
Nottingham Forest have plans to keep bolstering their attacking options following the announcement on Morgan Gibbs-White, which could mean the departure of one player.
Forest looked set to lose influential midfielder Gibbs-White until Spurs’ transfer for the 25-year-old collapsed, with the Tricky Trees claiming the North London side had made an ‘illegal’ approach.
Gibbs-White then proceeded to sign a new contract at the club, with Forest looking to improve on their seventh placed Premier League finish last season, which has seen them qualify for European football.
The club though have lost winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle in the biggest blow to manager Nuno Espirito Santo so far, but there are only positive signs at the City Ground right now.
Forest striker could depart amid transfer plans
The Daily Mail [31 July] report Forest could listen to offers for striker Taiwo Awoniyi if Santo signs another forward in this window, which they are planning to do if possible.
Santo has already signed Igor Jesus to bolster his strike force and Chris Wood was the undisputed number one in the position last season.
Awoniyi struggled for starts in the Premier League, making just three in the entirety of the campaign and he could become a fourth-choice option next season.
| Apperances | 32 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
Further additions in the forward areas could depend on the futures of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva, but Fulham winger Adam Traore is a target having played under Santo at Wolves.
Forest though are signalling their intent to become an even more dangerous attacking outfit next season to build on their solid defensive foundations.
Forward signings could force Awoniyi out
Awoniyi has fallen down the pecking order at the City Ground and the 27-year-old looks an obvious player to sell on if they can source a replacement.
The Nigerian could not dislodge Wood as the go-to striker last season, with the New Zealanders form pivotal to Forest’ success.
With Jesus arriving there seems little to suggest that Awoniyi will get game time outside of cup competitions.
The increased support up-front will be welcomed following Forest’s dip in form towards the end of last season and their need to add another dynamic to their game.
It remains to be seen whether Jesus and Wood can play together in a two up-front and whether Santo changes style now Elanga has left and their counter-attacking capabilities have suffered a blow.
Forest will still remain tough to beat having kept their defensive line intact and having tied full-backs Neco Williams and Ola Aina to new contracts.
With transfer problems at Newcastle and Villa, both European rivals last season, Forest are currently in the best shape to attack another finish in the top seven.