Championship winners Coventry City have signed Nigeria international striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for £9 million ($11.7 million), the clubs confirmed, as the Sky Blues prepare for their return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.
The 29-year-old joins ahead of Friday’s top-flight opener against champions Arsenal. Awoniyi spent four seasons at the City Ground after becoming Forest’s record signing in a £17.2 million move from Union Berlin in 2022. He scored 23 goals in 103 appearances but started only three matches last season, finishing with four goals in 17 outings across all competitions and being omitted from the Europa League squad.
Forest manager Oliver Glasner praised the forward after the squad and staff gave him a guard of honour before the second half of Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Brest. “He was probably one of the loveliest guys I’ve met, always friendly, always smiling,” Glasner said following a 2-0 win. “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.”
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis added: “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.”
Awoniyi’s career was interrupted in May 2025 when he suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with a post against Leicester and was placed in an induced coma.
Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, have already added midfielder Gus Hamer, goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, winger Loum Tchaouna, defender Aurele Amenda and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi this summer. With Haji Wright injured, Awoniyi strengthens a forward line currently featuring Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms.
