Oliver Glasner has spoken warmly about Taiwo Awoniyi as the forward prepares to complete a switch to Coventry City.
The Nottingham Forest striker is reportedly on the verge of a £17million deal that would mark the Sky Blues’ sixth summer acquisition.
The move would bring down the curtain on a four-year stint at the City Ground, during which he helped the Reds secure their return to the top flight. Frank Lampard will be counting on the 29-year-old to achieve something comparable for his new club.
Awoniyi attended Forest’s 2-0 pre-season win against Brest on Sunday, and although he did not feature in the match, supporters gave him a guard of honour and a passionate reception.
After the match, Glasner outlined the reasoning behind the club’s decision to honour the player. He described Awoniyi as an exceptional individual, noting that beyond being a talented footballer, he is a tremendous person who ranks among the nicest individuals Glasner has encountered, always greeting others with a smile. Glasner added that everyone connected to the club holds him in high regard, and the same sentiment is evident among supporters in the stands, which is widely valued. The manager emphasised that Awoniyi’s commitment to the team and the club’s crest has always been total, which is why he merited such a farewell. The decision was made with the club wishing him well at his next destination, just not when they face each other.
Coventry are optimistic about having Awoniyi available for their fixture at Arsenal on Friday evening, with Haji Wright sidelined through injury and Ellis Simms having led the line throughout the summer.