Nottingham Forest submit bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa: What’s next for Taiwo Awoniyi?

2024-25 English Premier League title contenders, Nottingham Forest, are reportedly eyeing Brentford forward Yoane Wissa in the ongoing transfer window to strengthen their attacking options, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Congolese international has been a key figure for Brentford since joining the club in 2021, contributing 44 goals and nine assists in 133 appearances.

However, Forest’s interest in Wissa raises questions about how this potential signing could impact their current striker, Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi.

What It Means for Taiwo Awoniyi

Reports in the UK suggest that Forest have submitted a £22 million bid to Brentford for Wissa’s signature. This would potentially serve as a backup or alternative to Chris Wood, who has been in top form for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men and crucial to their Premier League title challenge.

It’s worth noting that Awoniyi played a key role in Forest’s survival in the 2022-23 season, contributing 11 goals. However, injury struggles limited his appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, where he scored just six goals in 23 games.

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This opened the door for New Zealand’s all-time leading scorer, Wood, who has scored 14 Premier League goals in 22 appearances, ranking fourth in the top scorers’ chart.

Meanwhile, Awoniyi, who has scored just one goal in 17 matches, has found himself struggling to back up the striker at this critical point in the season.

Therefore, the bid to sign Wissa could push Awoniyi down the pecking order, with the Nigerian potentially seeking a move elsewhere for more playing time.

What’s Next for Awoniyi?

The Nigerian forward, whose contract with Forest runs until 2027, has recently been linked with a move to Premier League rivals West Ham United.

⚒️ West Ham are now making a serious attempt to sign Taiwo #Awoniyi with immediate effect.

Talks have started! #WHUFC

The 27y/o striker is currently under contract with Forest until 2027.@SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/dFUdpWtyBE

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 15, 2025

The Hammers are reportedly looking to offload Brazilian forward Luis Guilherme and replace him with the Nigerian international, just seven months after signing him.

While no concrete developments have emerged, the potential signing of Wissa could hasten Awoniyi’s exit from Forest in search of regular first-team football.