Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is the object of interest of a few Premier League clubs who are willing to pay a good sum to his club, Union Berlin, for his services in the summer.
Awoniyi, who got his maiden tournament call-up for Nigeria during the African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon after starring in the U-17 side alongside Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, could be making a return to the Premier League only two years after officially leaving the league.
Awoniyi's journey so far
The 24-year-old was on the books of Liverpool for six years but never got the chance to play in the Premier League for the Reds. After loan stints in Germany, including one at Union Berlin, the Iron Ones made his loan deal permanent by paying Liverpool €5 million at the beginning of the season.
He has since repaid that faith, scoring 12 league goals in 25 league appearances to become the highest scoring player for the club in a single Bundesliga campaign.
Awoniyi, who is now a cult hero at Union Berlin, is set to help the minnow club some more by commanding the biggest transfer fee they have received in their club’s history with a move back to the Premier League.
Various clubs including Newcastle United, West Ham United and Southampton have signified interest in his signature but the striker is yet to make a decision. The striker also has friends and family in England, which is one of the reasons he is considering the move. He is also looking to move to England to gain more visibility in order to boost his national team chances.
Super Eagles vice-captain gives verdict on two new players
Elsewhere, vice captain of the Nigerian national team William Troost-Ekong has praised the new additions to the squad.
Red Bull Leipzig forward, on loan at Leicester City, Ademola Lookman and Glasgow Rangers Calvin Bassey are the latest names to join the team in the past few months. Bassey got his call-up after switching nationalities in the latter stages of 2021 while Lookman completed his switch just after the AFCON tournament and got his maiden call-up in the unfortunate World Cup qualifier playoffs doubleheader against Ghana.
Troost-Ekong was asked about his opinions on the two new additions to the side. “They are very great guys, Lookman and Calvin, and it is great having them in the squad,” Troost-Ekong told local media.
“They both play in top leagues. Lookman plays in the Premier League but also has experience playing in Germany, which is good for the team, while Bassey has been a standout player for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
