Awoniyi Credits Liverpool for His Growth

Taiwo Awoniyi has spoken candidly about his years at Liverpool, acknowledging both the challenges and the lessons that shaped his career.

The Nottingham Forest striker joined the Reds in 2015 after excelling at youth level, but despite spending six years with the club, he never made a competitive appearance.

‘Being with Liverpool helped me be who I am today as well. Like I said, I always wanted to play in the Premier League and play in England, and in joining Liverpool I had that opportunity,’ Awoniyi explained.

‘I was hoping to play, but it didn’t happen, so I had to go on loan, which was challenging. I had a number of loans in different countries, but it helped me to understand different cultures and different people.’

Reflecting on the experience, he added: ‘It also helped me understand more about football and experience what players can go through when they’re on loan. I was still young and going through it with the hope of making it in the Premier League.

‘The loans helped me develop as a player, but after all those moves I said to myself that that would be the last.’

Awoniyi eventually found success at Union Berlin, becoming their record Bundesliga scorer before returning to England with Nottingham Forest in 2022.

When he scored against Liverpool that year, he refused to celebrate out of respect. Jurgen Klopp praised his journey, saying: ‘He had a sensational development. He has arrived where he belongs and I am happy for him, but not today so much.’

Now 28, Awoniyi has netted 20 goals in 96 appearances for Forest, though injuries have slowed his progress. Still, he credits his Liverpool years for laying the foundation of his career.