‘The reason…’: 23-year-old explains why he’s never played for Liverpool; that could change soon

Follow us on Google Discover

Union Berlin loanee Taiwo Awoniyi has yet to make his first-team debut for Liverpool but remains confident his chance will come, as reported by Punch.

If you’re wondering why Awoniyi has failed to make his senior bow for the Premier League champions, it has nothing to do with ability.

Blame that pesky work permit (or lack thereof) instead.

Speaking to Sporting Life in 2019, Awoniyi claimed he was highly regarded at Anfield – in his own words an “amazing talent”.

Jurgen Klopp apparently felt the striker had a bright future on the red half of Merseyside too.

And, two years on, a terrific run of form in Germany offers an indication why Klopp felt Awoniyi would be capable of challenging Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and co for a place in Liverpool’s attack.

The Nigeria international has five goals in his past nine Bundesliga games for a Union Berlin side that started the season as relegation candidates but could end it in the Champions League places.

“It’s not been easy switching clubs every season. I must admit it has been my biggest challenge since I arrived in Europe – but that has also made me gain more experience as a footballer,” says Awoniyi, who scored in a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund recently.

“The reason I’m yet to play for Liverpool is I don’t have a work permit. Liverpool saw a lot in me and kept me for a reason. Going to Liverpool has been the best decision I have taken in my life.”

With Divock Origi expected to leave Anfield in the not-so-distant future, Awoniyi could soon replace the Belgium international as Klopp’s go-to back-up centre-forward.

“Of course I do,” Awoniyi said when asked if he was confident of forcing his way into the Premier League champions’ thoughts.

“Time and chances are key. Sadio Mane is Africa’s best. And the truth is, he didn’t just find himself at Liverpool suddenly, he went through processes. Roberto Firmino did, just as Mohamed Salah did.

“Salah also played on loan from Chelsea at Fiorentina and Roma. It is what it is. Some players may never have to go through all of these (challenges) – but many have to.”