Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi appears destined for a return to German football as negotiations intensify between Nottingham Forest and Mainz 05. The 28-year-old striker has struggled to secure consistent minutes at the City Ground this season, featuring only seven times in the Premier League under manager Sean Dyche.
His path to the first team became increasingly obstructed following the arrival of 6ft 7in Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli on Friday. Consequently, Forest officials are discussing a loan arrangement that would allow the Nigerian international to rediscover his form in a familiar environment.
Mainz 05, currently battling to improve their offensive output in the Bundesliga, have officially registered their interest in re-signing the powerful attacker. Awoniyi previously enjoyed a loan stint at the MEWA Arena during the 2019/20 campaign while on the books at Liverpool. Beyond his prior history with the club, the move would reunite him with head coach Urs Fischer, who oversaw the striker’s most prolific career run at Union Berlin. Fischer reportedly views Awoniyi as the ideal profile to bolster his front line for the second half of the season.
With the January transfer deadline approaching on February 2, all parties remain motivated to finalize the deal. Nottingham Forest looks to trim their roster following their recent recruitment drive, while Awoniyi seeks the regular playing time necessary to maintain his status within the national team setup. If the transaction concludes as expected, the striker will look to replicate the double-digit scoring form that originally prompted his €20.5 million move to England three years ago.
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