Coventry agree about £17m deal for Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi

On 16 August 2026, Coventry City agreed a deal worth about £17m to sign Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with the transfer expected to be completed before their Premier League return against Arsenal on Friday. The move comes as Coventry prepare to play in the top flight for the first time in 25 years.

Awoniyi began his senior pathway after joining Liverpool in 2015 but did not make a senior appearance for the club. He became Nottingham Forest's then-record signing when he arrived from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2m. The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in 103 games for Forest.

Playing opportunities at Forest were limited last season: Awoniyi was behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order and was omitted from the club's Europa League squad. He started just three matches during the campaign and finished with four goals from 17 appearances in all competitions.

Awoniyi suffered a serious injury in May 2025 when he was placed in an induced coma. The club reported that he ruptured his intestine after colliding with a post during a game against Leicester.

Coventry's incoming business this summer has included re-signing midfielder Gus Hamer from Sheffield United and bringing in goalkeeper Carl Rushworth after his loan from Brighton. They have also added winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi from Nordsjaelland.

Striker Haji Wright is currently injured, leaving Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms as manager Frank Lampard's available forward options ahead of the season opener. The club's recruitment of Awoniyi would supplement those attacking choices.

The transfer is expected to be completed before Coventry's Premier League return against Arsenal on Friday, marking the club's first match back in the top tier after a 25-year absence.