Coventry Sign Taiwo Awoniyi From Nottingham Forest for £9m

Coventry City have signed Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for £9m as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. BBC Sport reported that the 29-year-old has completed the move before Coventry open their season away to reigning champions Arsenal on Friday, ending the club's 25-year absence from the top division.

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Awoniyi leaves Forest after four seasons at the City Ground. He joined from Union Berlin for £17.2m in 2022, which made him Forest's record signing at the time, and scored 23 goals in 103 appearances. Before the second half of Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Brest, Forest's players and staff gave him a guard of honour so he could say goodbye to the club's supporters.

Forest manager Oliver Glasner described Awoniyi as a popular figure who consistently gave his full effort, whether selected in the team or named on the bench. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis also said the striker would retain a special place in the club's history because of his role in its recent journey and the memorable moments he provided for supporters.

Playing opportunities had become limited. Awoniyi was behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in Forest's striker order and was omitted from the club's Europa League squad last season. He made only three starts during the campaign, although he scored four times across 17 appearances in all competitions. In May 2025, he suffered a ruptured intestine after colliding with a post during a match against Leicester and was placed in an induced coma.

Coventry have been active since winning promotion. The club brought midfielder Gus Hamer back from Sheffield United and signed goalkeeper Carl Rushworth following his successful loan from Brighton. Winger Loum Tchaouna arrived from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda joined from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi moved from Nordsjaelland.

Awoniyi adds another centre-forward option for manager Frank Lampard before the trip to Arsenal. Haji Wright is injured, leaving Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms as the other fit strikers identified by BBC Sport. The £9m arrival therefore gives Coventry additional depth in a key position as their first Premier League campaign in a quarter of a century begins.