Mainz 05 targets Taiwo Awoniyi for January rescue mission

Bundesliga basement-dwellers Mainz 05 are weighing a January move for Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi as they scramble to salvage their top-flight status.

Currently anchored to the bottom of the table, the Die Nullfünfer are desperate for a clinical edge in the final third. Club officials have identified the Nigerian international as a primary target to spearhead their survival charge when the winter transfer window opens.

A Familiar Face at the Mewa Arena – Taiwo Awoniyi

A move to Mainz would represent a homecoming of sorts for the 28-year-old. Awoniyi previously spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at the club from Liverpool. While his initial stint yielded just one goal in 12 appearances, his stock in Germany rose significantly during a subsequent breakout spell at Union Berlin.

According to reports from Kicker, a significant catalyst for the deal is the presence of Mainz head coach Urs Fischer. The duo shared a highly successful partnership at Union Berlin; it was Fischer who orchestrated Awoniyi’s permanent move from Anfield in 2021, transforming him into one of the league’s most feared marksmen.

Struggles in the Premier League

The Super Eagles forward has found rhythm hard to come by at Nottingham Forest this season. Plagued by recent injury setbacks, Awoniyi has been limited to just five league appearances for the “Tricky Trees.”

He made a brief 19-minute cameo in Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham, but with playing time dwindling under Nuno Espírito Santo, a return to the Bundesliga could offer the regular minutes needed to rediscover his best form.