Liverpool to collect windfall after Nottingham Forest break transfer record for lethal striker Taiwo Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest have activated the release clause of former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with the deadly striker due to net the Reds a tidy windfall.

The Nigeria international, 24, joined Liverpool for just £400,000 in 2015. However, persistent work permit issues laid waste to any hopes of ever making his mark at Anfield.

Indeed, upon leaving for Union Berlin last summer, Awoniyi had never made his Liverpool debut.

The German side forked out £6.5m for his services after doing enough to impress while on loan the season prior.

That proved to be an inspired decision after Awoniyi took giant strides forward last year.

Awoniyi bagged 15 goals in 31 matches in the Bundesliga. His season tally across all competitions read 20 goals in 43 appearances.

His exploits quickly attracted the attention of Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest. Steve Cooper’s side were hunting a reliable goalscorer to lead their line and per Fabrizio Romano, they’ve found it in Awoniyi.

The transfer guru tweeted Awoniyi’s £17m release clause has been triggered and all the necessary paperwork has now been signed.

Awoniyi sets new Forest transfer record

German outlet BZ Berlin reported Awoniyi had left Berlin on Wednesday ahead of undertaking a medical with Forest. Presumably, the procedure has been passed.

The £17m Forest will pay will set the new benchmark for most expensive transfer in the club’s history. The current mark stands at the £13.2m they paid Benfica for Joao Carvalho.

The move will also be met with smiles at Anfield after Romano confirmed the presence of a sell-on clause.

Liverpool negotiated a 10 percent clause into Awoniyi’s move to Union Berlin. As such, they’re in line to receive a further £1.7m.

In total, that will bring the Reds’ net profit for a striker who never played for the club to £7.8m.

Awoniyi could quickly be followed through the door at the City Ground by Dean Henderson.

The Man Utd goalkeeper is close to agreeing a straight, one-year loan swap to Forest.

Forest won’t have same Liverpool issues

Speaking to Kicker in February, Awoniyi reiterated his desire to return to England one day.

“The Premier League is my dream,” said Awoniyi. “Everyone knows that, including here in the club [Union Berlin].

“If I lived in England, it would be easier for my wife and child, just by myself because of the language. Also, my sister and a brother live on the island.”

Work permit issues clouded his tenure at Liverpool. However, Goal previously reported Awoniyi’s status as a full Nigeria international will make securing the necessary paperwork simpler. He has made four appearances for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2021.

His record in the Bundesliga last season speaks for itself, and it appears Forest are landing a motivated and clinical marksman.