According to a recent report by Sport Foot Magazine (via Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are demanding a fee in the region of €15m for their Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently playing on loan at Excelsior Mouscron.
The same source has also mentioned that the Reds are prepared to accept bids close to €12m for their prized asset, who has been on the radar of clubs such as Schalke, Club Brugge and Standard Liege.
The 21-year-old has recently caught the eye with a string of goal-scoring displays for his loan club. He has found the back of the net seven times in nine matches since making a loan switch back to his former club Excelsior Mouscron. The Ilorin-born striker has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the Jupiler Pro League despite suffering a major setback of not being able to get a work permit to play for Liverpool.
Awoniyi is yet to make a single appearance for the Reds, and it seems like he might not get that honour as the Reds are willing to cash in on him this summer. It could be a good move for all parties if he leaves as the striker needs regular game time if he wants to fulfil his true potential. As for Liverpool, they are better of using the cash generated from his sale to strengthen other areas of their squad.
Awoniyi has represented his nation at various levels and is currently an integral member of the Nigerian Under-23 side. The Jupiler Pro League sensation has decent pace and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet. He can also be a menace inside the opposition penalty area due to his aerial prowess which helps him win a lot of headers.
The Nigerian youngster has proved his worth recently and shown that he can score goals consistently when given a run of games on the pitch. The departure of Awoniyi won’t affect Jurgen Klopp’s first-team, but it would be an unfortunate loss nonetheless.
With better luck, he could have made a significant impact at Anfield, but his failure to secure a work permit has seen his career with the Merseyside club never take off. Despite his struggles, it could be a shrewd move for Liverpool if they can recoup a fee between €12m to €15m for the talented centre-forward.
