Coventry City have strengthened their attack ahead of their return to the Premier League by signing Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for £9m.
The 29-year-old moves to Coventry after four seasons at the City Ground and could make his debut in Friday’s league opener away to defending champions Arsenal. The fixture will mark Coventry’s first Premier League appearance in 25 years.
Awoniyi was given a farewell by Forest players and staff during Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Brest. He was honoured before the second half at the City Ground as the club recognised his contribution before completing his move.
Forest signed Awoniyi from Union Berlin for £17.2m in 2022, making him the club’s record transfer at the time. He went on to score 23 goals in 103 appearances and played an important role during Forest’s first seasons back in the top flight.
His opportunities became more limited last season, however, with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus moving ahead of him in the attacking hierarchy. Awoniyi started only three matches and finished the campaign with four goals from 17 appearances across all competitions. He was also omitted from Forest’s Europa League squad.
The striker endured a serious injury in May 2025 after colliding with a goalpost against Leicester City. He suffered a ruptured intestine and was placed in an induced coma during his treatment before recovering.
Awoniyi now joins a Coventry squad being reinforced for its first top-flight campaign since 2001. Frank Lampard’s side have already brought Gus Hamer back from Sheffield United and completed a permanent deal for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth following his successful loan spell from Brighton.
Coventry have also signed winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi from Nordsjaelland.
Adding another centre-forward had become a priority with Haji Wright currently injured. Awoniyi joins Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms among Lampard’s available attacking options as Coventry prepare for a demanding opening assignment at Arsenal.