Coventry City transfer news: Taiwo Awoniyi signs from Nottingham Forest for £9m

coventry city have signed Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for £9 million.

The 29-year-old joins Coventry ahead of Friday’s Premier League opener against champions Arsenal, with the club returning to the top flight after a 25-year absence.

Awoniyi was given a guard of honor by the Forest team and staff before the second half of their final pre-season friendly against Brest on Sunday to allow him to say goodbye at the City Ground, where he has spent the last four seasons.

“He was probably one of the loveliest guys I’ve ever met, always friendly, always smiling,” Forest manager Oliver Glasner said after the 2-0 win over the Ligue 1 side.

“Everyone in the club likes it and I could see that everyone in the stands likes it because this is what everyone appreciates.

“He always gives 100% for the team, he always gives 100% for the bench, and that’s why he deserves such a farewell, such a guard of honor. That’s why we decided that we would give it to him and I wish him all the best in his next club, but not when he plays against us.”

Awoniyi became Forest’s record signing when he arrived from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.2m.

He scored 23 goals in 103 games for Forest but was behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus in the pecking order and was left out of the Europa League squad last season.

Awoniyi started just three games last season, scoring four goals in 17 appearances in all competitions.

In May 2025, he was placed in an induced coma and ruptured his intestine when he collided with a post during a match against Leicester.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “Taiwo will always have a special place in the history of Nottingham Forest. He has been one of the defining figures of our journey and has given our supporters moments of great joy that will never be forgotten.”

Coventry are in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years and have already re-signed midfielder Gus Hamer from Sheffield United and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth following his successful loan from Brighton.

Winger Loum Tchaouna arrived from Burnley, defender Aurele Amenda arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi signed from Nordsjaelland.

Striker Haji Wright is injured, with Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms the current attacking options for manager Frank Lampard ahead of the game against Arsenal.