Taiwo Awoniyi has joined Union Berlin on a permanent transfer from Liverpool after a successful loan spell.
Awoniyi joined the Reds from Nigeria’s Imperial Soccer Academy in 2015. Since then, he has spent every subsequent season on loan to the likes of FSV Frankfurt, NEC Breda, Mouscron, Ghent and Mainz.
He should participate in the UEFA Conference League together with Tottenham / Maja Hitij / Getty Images
Last term, he enjoyed his best campaign ever and helped Union secure a shock seventh place. Awoniyi made a total of 21 Bundesliga appearances, reaching five goals and giving up three assists.
He has now joined Die Eisernen on a permanent basis with Liverpool confirming his departure on Tuesday.
In an interview published on the Union’s website Awoniyi, he revealed that he was very pleased with the move and said: “After many loan transfers in previous years, I finally want to come and get a home. I owe the Union so much, so it makes me happy and “proud to be back here. It’s great to continue on the fantastic path with the club. I will give everything to quickly pick up where I was before my injury.”
The club’s CEO for professional football, Oliver Ruhnert, added: “We got to know Taiwo last season and we became confident in his qualities. His resilience, his commitment and his unconditional willingness to learn and develop were the decisive factors for us to give everything to this transfer will take place. We appreciate all efforts to find a suitable solution. “
Awoniyi started the 2020/21 campaign as a reserve for the freestyle Max Kruse, but Urs Fischer continued to set the pair as a top two as the season progressed. The Nigerian then suffered a bitter blow when a muscle tear ruled him out for eleven games in February.
However, he returned to the Union’s last two matches from the bench and helped them secure UEFA Conference League football in their second ever Bundesliga season.
