Coventry gamble on £9m striker ahead of Arsenal clash

Coventry City have paid £9 million to bring Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest as they prepare for their Premier League opener against champions Arsenal. The 29‑year‑old joins a side returning to the top flight after a 25‑year absence and looking to replace injured forward Haji Wright.

Transfer fee and contract details

The deal sees Awoniyi move for £9 million, a significant outlay for a club newly promoted after a quarter‑century away from the Premier League. Awoniyi originally joined Liverpool in 2015 but never made a senior appearance before his move to Forest.

Forest farewell and record signing

Before departing, Awoniyi received a guard of honour from the Nottingham Forest squad and staff during the second half of their pre‑season friendly against Brest on Sunday at the City Ground, where he spent four seasons. Forest boss Oliver Glasner said, "He was probably one of the loveliest guys I've met, always friendly, always smiling. Everybody in the club likes him and I could see everybody in the stand likes him because this is what everybody appreciates. He always gives 100% for the team, he always gives 100% for the bench, and that's why he deserves such a farewell, such a guard of honour. That's why we decided we would give it to him and I wish him all the best at his next club, just not when they play us."

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Awoniyi became Forest's record signing when he arrived from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2 million. He scored 23 goals in 103 games but was behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order, missed last season's Europa League squad and started only three matches, netting four times in 17 appearances.

In May 2025, Awoniyi suffered a serious injury, being placed in an induced coma after rupturing an intestine when colliding with a post during a game against Leicester. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis later remarked, "Taiwo will always have a special place in the history of Nottingham Forest. He has been one of the defining figures in our journey and given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten."

Coventry have already reinforced the squad with midfielder Gus Hamer, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, winger Loum Tchaouna, defender Aurele Amenda and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi. With striker Haji Wright sidelined, manager Frank Lampard will rely on fit forwards Brandon Thomas‑Asante and Ellis Simms alongside Awoniyi for the upcoming clash with Arsenal.