Mainz 05 Eye Reunion with Striker Taiwo Awoniyi

According to Kicker, Mainz 05, positioned last in the Bundesliga, is seeking additional attacking support and is eyeing a familiar face: Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Although currently sidelined due to injury, Awoniyi has only appeared in four Premier League matches this season prior to his setback.

Since his transfer to the Premier League from Union Berlin for €20.5 million nearly three and a half years ago, Awoniyi’s production numbers and estimated market value have gradually decreased. A potential return to the Bundesliga under newly-appointed Mainz head coach Urs Fischer may present an attractive opportunity for the Nigerian international.

Awoniyi originally joined Union Berlin on loan from Liverpool during the 2020/21 season, marking his seventh loan spell. Notably, Liverpool had previously loaned him out to German clubs twice. He played in the 2. Bundesliga with FSV Frankfurt during the 2015/16 season and even featured for Mainz in the top flight the season before transferring to Union.

In his first season with Union, Awoniyi managed only five goals; nevertheless, Fischer’s side decided to sign him permanently ahead of their participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Awoniyi justified their faith in him by netting an impressive 20 goals across all competitions, significantly contributing to Union’s qualification for the Europa League the following season.

Ultimately, Union sold Awoniyi back to the Premier League in the summer of 2022, realizing a substantial profit on the player. Awoniyi, who scored four goals for Fischer in seven Conference League appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, could help Mainz further their promising Conference League ambitions this year.