Breaking: Nottingham Forest announce first summer signing with club record deal

Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The 24-year-old striker has completed his transfer to the City Ground after days of speculation about a move to Trentside. Awoniyi, a Nigerian international, underwent a medical on Thursday (June 23) before his move was announced by the club on Saturday morning.

Forest have confirmed Awoniyi's transfer as a club record fee after the forward's £17million release clause was triggered by the Reds.

Awoniyi scored 25 times for Union Berlin after signing from Liverpool in 2021 and will now lead the line for Forest next season.

He has had various spells at different clubs across his career, with loan stints at Mouscron, Gent, Mainz 05 and Berlin before leaving the Merseyside club last summer on a permanent basis without a single appearance.

He now enjoys a more permanent home having signed a five-year contract to stay at the City Ground until 2027.

The 24-year-old becomes Steve Cooper's first signing of the summer transfer window as they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years in August.

Announcing the deal, the Reds said in a statement: "Returning Premier League side Nottingham Forest have secured Nigerian international forward Taiwo Awoniyi for a club record fee.

"The 24-year-old joins The Reds from Bundesliga club Union Berlin, signing a five-year-deal at The City Ground."

Awoniyi's arrival should be the first part of an ambitious recruitment programme backed by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson will complete his loan move from Manchester United once he returns from honeymoon. Right and left-wing backs, a central defender, a number 10/winger and at least central midfielder