(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 18 August 2025 13:59, UK

Nottingham Forest’s latest new signing means striker Taiwo Awoniyi is increasingly becoming surplus to requirements at the City Ground.

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Awoniyi was an unused substitute as Nottingham Forest began their Premier League campaign with a resounding 3-1 victory over Brentford, as they look to improve on their seventh placed finish last season.

Forest’s summer signing Igor Jesus from Botafogo, was brought off the bench though for Chris Wood who bagged a brace against Brentford.

Recent additions Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee were unveiled to the Forest crowd before kick-off, further increasing Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options.

Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Just a day following the win over Brentford, Forest have confirmed the signing of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, as per The Guardian [18 August].

Kalimuendo has signed for a fee of £26million, and was the third top goal scorer in Ligue 1 last season.

Apperances34Goals18Assists4Kalimuendo’s 2024/25 stats in all competitions.

Awoniyi is now fourth choice striker at the City Ground and given his lack of opportunities last season when he was back-up the Nigerian is set to leave the club.

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It was previously reported that Forest would listen to offers for Awoniyi if they could secure another striker.

Nuno Espirito Santo has signed three new players in the past week.

Kalimunendo brings with him goal scoring pedigree from France and at 23, the striker has yet to hit his peak.

More support and competition for a 33-year-old Wood is excellent news, although the New Zealand striker showed no sign of his form dropping off against Brentford.

A bigger squad though means a couple of fringe players could depart and Awoniyi looks to be in that category.

Scoring just one Premier League goal last season, Awoniyi needs to reignite his career elsewhere and Forest is now not the place for the 28-year-old to do that.

Forest now look to have the adequate depth to compete both in Europe and in the Premier League, though there could still be new additions before the transfer window shuts.

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