Taiwo Awoniyi has agreed a £6.5 million move to Union Berlin after West Bromwich Albion failed to step up their interest in the Liverpool striker, as reported by Goal.
While the Nigerian returned to Anfield earlier in the summer after a series of loan spells, it always felt unlikely that Awoniyi would be challenging Roberto Firmino for the number nine role in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.
The 23-year-old is one of many talented young players who Liverpool would happily sell in order to raise funds for new signings.
And as Marko Grujic closes in on a permanent move to Porto, Awoniyi’s imminent exit will add another £6.5 million to the coffers drained by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goal reports that the powerhouse centre-forward has agreed personal terms over a five-year deal at Union Berlin, with the capital city club fighting off Mainz to seal a £6.5 million deal.
Why did West Brom not make a bid for Liverpool’s Taiwo Awoniyi?
Awoniyi was a big hit on loan at Union Berlin last term, scoring five times as one of the smallest clubs in the Bundesliga qualified for the UEFA Conference League against all odds.
The report adds that Championship duo West Brom and Stoke City also showed an interest in the one-time Gent and NEC Nijmegen striker. Neither the Baggies nor the Potters went as far as to make a serious offer, however, although why is anyone’s guess.
Maybe his £6.5 million price-tag was a problem for a West Brom side who must sell before they can add new faces to Valerien Ismael’s squad.
With just two weeks to go until their Championship opener away at Bournemouth, the Baggies only have one player who can be deemed a typical number nine.
And the man in question, Kenneth Zohore, hasn’t started a league game for Albion since January 2020.
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