Taiwo Awoniyi’s future in doubt as Espirito Santo targets Chris Wood’s backup

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi could face growing uncertainty over his role at the club, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly keen on signing a backup for Chris Wood, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward, who joined Forest during the summer transfer window in 2022, has struggled to reclaim his starting spot following the impressive form of New Zealand striker Chris Wood. Under Espirito Santo’s guidance, Wood has emerged as a key player, which has relegated Awoniyi to a secondary role.

Wood, initially signed on loan from Newcastle to cover for Forest’s injury woes, has capitalised on Awoniyi’s fitness struggles to further firm his position as the team’s first-choice striker.

Currently, Emmanuel Dennis is the only other backup option for Forest, prompting the club to prioritise signing another striker in the January transfer window.

According to Football Fancast, Forest are eyeing Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as a potential target, which further casts doubt on Awoniyi’s future at the club.

Despite this, Espirito Santo has previously expressed confidence in Awoniyi’s abilities and remains optimistic about his progress. However, he noted how injuries and international commitments have hindered the striker's return to form.

“It’s his fitness, his confidence, and he is looking for his goal. Everything changes in the mindset of a striker when you score; suddenly, everything comes. We are waiting for this click. We trust him.

What we have been trying with Taiwo is to increase his game time. Unfortunately, if I look back, going into the previous (October) international break, he played and then immediately went with his national team and played five minutes. That was a step back,” Espirito Santo said.

Meanwhile, on the contrary, former Manchester City defender Stuart Pearce has praised the Red's attacking depth, describing Awoniyi as a reliable backup for the in-form Chris Wood.

“And Chris Wood is scoring goals, which is fantastic for the club as well. He is having a halcyon period in his career,” Pearce said. “If he’s not fit, Taiwo Awoniyi did well last season so can step in for him. The bottom line is they’ve got threat on the counterattack with pace and two goalscorers at the point of the team,” Pearce added.

However, with Forest targeting another striker, it seems the club is shifting their focus away from relying solely on Awoniyi's fitness this season.