Ipswich Town Eyes Nottingham Forest’s Awoniyi After Wilson Setback

Ipswich Town is considering a move for Nottingham Forest’s out-of-favour striker Taiwo Awoniyi this January following a setback in their pursuit of Callum Wilson. The 33-year-old forward had been linked with a departure from West Ham, but recent performances suggest he will remain with the club, leaving Ipswich to seek alternatives.

After an impressive 3-0 victory over struggling Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich finds itself firmly in contention for automatic promotion in the current Championship season. Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, the team has regained momentum, now looking to challenge Middlesbrough and Coventry City for the top spots. Despite this positive outlook, the striker position has proven to be a weak point, with George Hirst, Ivan Azon, and Chuba Akpom struggling to find the back of the net consistently.

The loss of Wilson, who scored a late winner for West Ham against Tottenham Hotspur, is a significant blow for Ipswich. Given that Hirst, Azon, and Akpom have combined for only ten goals across 62 league appearances this season, the club’s need for a reliable centre-forward has become increasingly urgent.

As the January transfer window approaches, attention is shifting towards Awoniyi, who has seen limited playing time at Nottingham Forest this season, logging only 182 minutes in the Premier League. With the potential arrival of Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli, the Nigerian striker may be available for transfer.

Awoniyi, aged 28, would be entering his prime and could provide a much-needed boost to Ipswich’s forward line. If the club can successfully negotiate this transfer, he may prove to be a valuable asset at the Championship level. His previous season at Nottingham Forest was notably productive, where he scored ten goals and assisted once in 27 appearances. According to statistics from FBref, he ranked in the 99th percentile for goals per shot and goals per shot on target during that period, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal.

Ipswich has created numerous high-quality chances this season, and the data indicates that Awoniyi could significantly improve their conversion rate compared to their current forwards. Additionally, his defensive contributions, averaging 1.15 blocks and 1.28 clearances per 90 minutes, demonstrate his ability to contribute both on and off the ball.

The potential addition of Awoniyi aligns well with McKenna’s preference for a physically dominant striker. His previous choices include players like Hirst and Kieffer Moore, and Awoniyi offers a higher level of physical presence that could enhance the team’s overall performance. However, the challenge will be ensuring he remains fit, as he has faced injury issues throughout his career.

Ipswich Town’s ambition this season is clear: promotion to the Premier League is the goal, and they are determined to close the gap on the teams ahead. With their recent success, including a double victory over Coventry City, they are serious contenders for promotion. The acquisition of a centre-forward like Awoniyi could be the key to achieving their objectives, making it imperative for the club to pursue this opportunity in the upcoming transfer window.

As Ipswich Town looks to bolster its squad, the potential signing of Taiwo Awoniyi could provide the final piece needed to secure their place in the Premier League next season.