Coventry City have completed the signing of Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest for a €19.9M fee on 16 August 2026. The 27-year-old striker joins as the Sky Blues gear up for the 2026/27 Premier League season under Frank Lampard. A central forward by trade, Awoniyi arrives wearing the number 9 and brings proven top-flight experience. The move follows his two-season spell at Forest and a prior standout stint in Germany. For Coventry, it is a timely addition to a squad that has shown promising preseason form. On Sofascore, fans will find his full match-by-match output and live Sofascore Rating as he settles into new surroundings.

Transfer terms and timeline

Awoniyi’s transfer is a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest to Coventry City for €19.9M. It continues a career path that included a €20.5M move to Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and an €8.6M transfer to Union Berlin from Liverpool in 2021. The latest switch lands him back in England’s top tier with a club on an upward curve. Coventry’s recent schedule shows positive momentum, including wins against Monaco and Espanyol in Club Friendlies. The club’s pregame form marker sits at 92 with a recent sequence of D, D, D, W, W. The timing suits Coventry’s Premier League campaign, with the transfer window open in England. It also gives Lampard a natural focal point to finalise his attacking plans. For supporters tracking deals and form, all details and live match data are available on Sofascore.

What Awoniyi brings to Coventry’s attack

Awoniyi’s Premier League 2025/26 numbers for Forest point to efficient finishing in limited minutes. He recorded 4 goals and 1 assist in 17 league appearances, logging 502 minutes and 3 starts. His shot profile is penalty-box heavy, with 14 of 15 shots taken inside the area and all 4 goals scored from there. He split his finishes across 2 right-footed goals, 1 left-footed goal and 1 header, showing versatility in how he scores. With an expected goals figure of 3.578 and a shot conversion rate of 26.7%, he tended to make the most of his chances. He chipped in 6 key passes and 2 big chances created, plus won 1 penalty, which adds value to set-piece and transition moments. Physically, he offers pace and vertical threat, clocking a top speed of 34.62 km/h and making 118 sprints. His average Sofascore Rating across those league matches stood at 6.62, including 1 Team of the Week appearance.

There is also a clear style match with Coventry’s recent results. The Sky Blues beat Monaco 2-0 and Espanyol 3-1 in preseason, suggesting a front line capable of supplying the box regularly. Awoniyi’s 80% passing accuracy and 6 key passes indicate he can connect play when he drops in. He is most dangerous arriving between the posts, where Coventry’s wide service and quick combinations can feed him. He did register 6 offsides last season, which reflects aggressive runs in behind that can stretch back lines. While his aerial win rate was modest, he still converted one headed chance and threatens from close range. For a newly returned Premier League side, those penalty-box numbers are exactly the kind that swing tight matches. Expect Coventry to lean on his movement and finishing to turn good approach play into goals.

How Coventry are shaping up for the Premier League

Coventry enter 2026/27 with confidence, and the recent preseason wins back that up. Their friendly victories over Espanyol and Monaco show form building across the squad. The team also finished last competitive stretch strongly, including notable Championship wins at Watford (4-0) and against Wrexham (3-1). With Frank Lampard in charge, the addition of a Premier League-tested striker helps stabilise the top of the pitch. The pregame form number of 92 and an average team rating of 6.94 hint at a group trending well in performance metrics. That context makes the investment in a forward with a track record of efficient finishing a logical step. Awoniyi’s box occupation should complement a side already generating chances in rhythm. Coventry now have a player who can turn slight openings into high-quality chances and points.

The fit also looks promising in terms of roles and profiles. Awoniyi’s penalty-area gravity should create pockets for runners and second-line shots. His 2 big chances created show he can also feed teammates when the lane opens. The 6 key passes imply he links quick combinations rather than just acting as a target. Coventry’s recent results suggest a team comfortable playing on the front foot, which pairs well with his direct runs. The club’s strong preseason defensive numbers, including a clean sheet against Monaco, create a platform for him to win matches at the other end. And a striker who wins penalties and finishes in the box is a valuable asset in tight Premier League contests. On Sofascore, supporters can monitor how his touch map and chance quality evolve week to week.

What this means for Nottingham Forest

From Forest’s side, the transfer brings in €19.9M and closes a chapter that started in 2022. Awoniyi’s most recent Premier League campaign with Forest returned 4 goals and 1 assist in 17 appearances. He added one EFL Cup appearance last season, where he created 2 key passes and registered 3 shots. The sale figure is close to the €20.5M the club paid Union Berlin in 2022. In squad terms, Forest move forward without a striker who provided impact in bursts and box scoring. The data shows a forward dependable inside the area and selective with shot volume. His 26.7% conversion rate last season points to a finisher who can change games with limited attempts. Forest now have flexibility to adjust their attacking mix and allocate minutes to alternative profiles. As always, Sofascore will track how both clubs redeploy those forward positions as the season unfolds.

Awoniyi’s data markers to watch at Coventry

A few indicators will tell the early story of Awoniyi’s Coventry spell. Shot locations and touches in the box will show whether he is receiving service in his best zones. His offsides count can reflect timing chemistry with new teammates and defensive lines. Key passes and big chances created will indicate how much link play he adds on top of finishing. Sprint volume and top speed readings can show whether he is being used to attack space frequently. Aerial duels are worth following, even if his game trends more to ground movements and near-post runs. Passing accuracy around 80% last season suggests tidy link play; tracking that helps gauge comfort in buildup. And, of course, goals versus expected goals will reveal whether he is beating averages or due for a correction. Fans can follow his live Sofascore Rating every match to see how those elements combine into overall impact.