Nottingham Forest’s Europa League squad has caused more drama than the club expected, but one decision in particular has highlighted a transfer issue that must be solved.
In the hours before the official announcement, it was revealed that Omari Hutchinson would be left out of the Europa League squad, despite being the club’s record signing.
Perhaps even more surprising, though, was the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Forest fans baffled by the Zinchenko absence given the hole created at left-back.
Alongside the two high-profile absentees, one popular member of the Forest squad is also missing, emphasising a need to find a solution in the transfer market.
Taiwo Awoniyi warms up prior to Birmingham City vs Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest must find a solution for Taiwo Awoniyi
At the end of the 24/25 campaign, it was clear that the Reds needed backup for Chris Wood up front, leading to Igor Jesus’ arrival at Forest followed by the addition of Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Now possessing a stronger front-line, the new additions have left Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi seemingly without a place in the Forest squad, a somewhat disappointing side-effect for a crucial member of the Reds’ recent history.
John Percy has suggested that Awoniyi is attracting interest from abroad, with the Turkish Super League transfer window open until September 12.
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Nottingham Forest Newsrevealed on Monday’s deadline day that Turkey was an option for Awoniyi, so it remains to be seen whether any club will make a move.
Nottingham Forest fans will hope to see Taiwo Awoniyi find a move
There were reports that Werder Bremen were interested in Awoniyi before the end of the window, but no move ever transpired as the 28-year-old remains in a difficult moment in his career.
Reds fans will be desperate to see him find a move, though, out of respect for a player who gave the club so much in the early Premier League days.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2022-23 27 10 1
2023-24 20 6 3
Taiwo Awoniyi played a crucial role in the Premier League
In that first season, he scored the crucial goal against Arsenal to secure the Reds’ Premier League status, and while the numbers would then dry up alongside the arrival of Wood, his contribution can never be forgotten.
He’ll always be remembered fondly at the City Ground, so the Reds fans will be hoping Awoniyi gets the chance to showcase his abilities once more elsewhere.