West Ham have expressed interest in Taiwo Awoniyi, but any potential transfer depends on Nottingham Forest securing a replacement, according to Alex Crook.
Speaking on talkSPORT (13 January, 8:40 am), Crook revealed that Awoniyi’s name has been suggested as a target for the Hammers, especially after Niclas Füllkrug was sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury.
Awoniyi was previously linked to West Ham last summer, as reported by The Athletic on 11 June. However, the striker’s future now appears contingent on Forest bolstering their own attacking options.
Crook commented:
“We know there’s interest in Evan Ferguson – but I’m not convinced that Brighton necessarily will sanction a loan.
“The other name that’s been mentioned to me in the last few days is Taiwo Awoniyi at Nottingham Forest, who was the main man there but has lost his place to Chris Wood.
“Forest themselves would have to bring in another striker to facilitate that move, but I think that’s certainly one to keep an eye on in the next couple of weeks.”
Graham Potter Desperate for a Striker
Even before officially taking charge as West Ham’s new manager last week, Graham Potter likely identified signing a striker as a top priority.
The Hammers were already thin on attacking options, and the situation has worsened following Füllkrug’s injury during their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.
Michail Antonio remains unavailable after a car accident, and Jarrod Bowen is also sidelined. This leaves Potter with only Danny Ings, who, at 32 years old, is struggling to lead the line single-handedly.
With limited options, Potter is expected to prioritize reinforcements in the coming weeks. Awoniyi, who was once a key figure for Nottingham Forest before being displaced by Chris Wood, has re-emerged as a viable option for the Hammers.
A Chance for Redemption
West Ham were criticized for their summer transfer strategy, and Füllkrug’s move has turned out to be a misstep. However, Awoniyi could provide a solution if he can replicate the scoring form he showed early in his Nottingham Forest career.
For now, the Hammers’ pursuit of Awoniyi hinges on Nottingham Forest’s ability to bring in another striker. If they can secure a replacement, West Ham may finally land the striker they hesitated to sign last summer.