Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v FC Cologne - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - April 1, 2022 1. FC Union Berlin's Taiwo Awoniyi in action with FC Cologne's Ellyes Skhiri REUTERS/Lisi Niesner DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
According to reliable journalist Christian Falk on Twitter, Southampton are interested in signing Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
The lowdown: Rise to stardom
It’s been anything but a simple pathway to success for the Nigerian frontman after a six-year spell on the books of Liverpool.
The 24-year-old was unable to obtain a work permit to ply his trade in the United Kingdom and as such spent loan spells in Germany, Belgium and Holland before making the permanent switch to the Bundesliga in 2021.
Now, yet another move could be on the horizon following an impressive start to life in the German top flight, but this time with a permanent stay in the Premier League.
The latest: Falk confirms Saints interest
Taking to Twitter, Head of Football for German outlet SportBILD Falk stated that Southampton are among the suitors for the Nigerian international.
“TRUE. West Ham, NUFC and Southampton are interested in Taiwo Awoniyi @fcunion. The striker has a release clause of 20 Mio €.”
Recently hailed as a ‘hero’ by Union Berlin’s official Twitter account, Awoniyi is the only player in the club’s history to score 13 Bundesliga goals in a single season.
The verdict: Striker surgery required
As Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl prepares for life without Armando Broja next season – although a potential permanent deal is likely to be explored – it’s wise that the club begin to explore potential alternative options.
Outside of Broja’s nine strikes, this term, Southampton striking trio Che Adams, Shane Long and Adam Armstrong have only managed a lowly 12 goals combined across all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign.
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With 18 goals and four assists in 39 outings this term in Germany, Awoniyi has certainly made an impact at the business end of the pitch and Hasenhuttl would be wise to push to bring the Nigerian with an ever-rising stock to St Mary’s.
In other news: Journalist: Southampton enter mix to sign ‘sensational’ and ‘flawless’ player from huge club! Find out more here.
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