West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly in contention to sign Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who will cost around €30 million.
According to Calciomercato, Taiwo Awoniyi could be in contention for a potential return to the Premier League in the summer transfer. The star striker from Union Berlin has impressed the onlookers with his performances since joining Liverpool, with West Ham United and Newcastle United among the clubs interested in securing his services.
Union Berlin are open to offloading the Nigerian international as well, with the club valuing the player at around €30 million. It could prove to be a bargain as Awoniyi is widely regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in the German top-flight.
A centre-forward by trade, Awoniyi was a part of the Liverpool setup for many years, having initially joined the club back in 2015. However, he made his big breakthrough during the 2020/21 campaign on a loan spell with Union Berlin. He scored five goals in 21 league matches, convincing the German outfit to secure his services for a fee of just €6.5 million last summer.
It turned out to be a bargain as Awoniyi has netted 12 goals in 25 league appearances this term. The ex-Liverpool striker has emerged as the club’s top goalscorer and has played a key role in helping Union compete for the European places for the second season in a row.
Awoniyi’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with West Ham United among the clubs interested in him. It is no secret that the Hammers are in the market for a new forward who can compete with Michail Antonio next season. They have been linked with a move for in-demand LOSC Lille sensation Jonathan David, but Awoniyi could be a far more cost-effective option.
Another potential destination for the Nigerian international is Newcastle United. The Magpies have expressed the desire to sign the Union Berlin man as a potential competitor for Chris Wood, with Eddie Howe desperately in need of some attacking flair in the number nine position.
Awoniyi’s pace, coupled with his lethal counter-attacking prowess, make him an ideal option not just for Newcastle United but for West Ham as well. However, with Union Berlin keen on extracting €30 million from the 24-year-old, it remains to be seen whether any of the two Premier League clubs opt to follow up their interest by making an offer for the ex-Liverpool striker in the summer.