Lampard explains why Coventry City chose Taiwo Awoniyi for Premier League return

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard says Taiwo Awoniyi’s Premier League experience was a major factor behind the club’s decision to sign the Nigeria striker from Nottingham Forest for £9m.

The 29-year-old has become Coventry’s sixth signing of the summer after choosing to remain in England, despite receiving offers from clubs abroad. His arrival comes as the newly promoted side prepare to return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.

Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest from Bundesliga club Union Berlin in 2022 after an impressive spell in Germany. He scored 23 goals in 103 appearances for Forest, but injury and fitness issues, combined with increased competition for places, restricted him largely to a substitute role during his final campaigns at the club.

Lampard believes the forward’s previous experience of the Premier League will be particularly valuable as Coventry begin life back in the top flight.

“He knows the Premier League,” Lampard said while speaking at his pre-match news conference before Coventry’s opening game of the 2026-27 season.

The former Chelsea midfielder also highlighted Awoniyi’s physical attributes, including his strength, size and ability to keep possession under pressure. Those qualities, Lampard believes, could help Coventry compete against Premier League defenders and provide the team with an important attacking outlet.

Awoniyi’s ability to hold the ball up and make runs behind the opposition defence was also identified as a key part of his appeal. Lampard feels the striker’s physical presence can create problems for defenders and give Coventry a different option in attack.

Coventry face an immediate test of their top-flight credentials when they travel to Emirates Stadium to play reigning champions Arsenal on Friday night.

Awoniyi could make his competitive debut for the club in the fixture as he attempts to establish himself at Coventry and make an early impact for his new team.

Lampard also discussed the relationship between Awoniyi and another of Coventry’s summer recruits, teenage forward Sidiki Cherif. Cherif joined from Turkish club Fenerbahce, and the Coventry manager believes the youngster can benefit from working alongside the more experienced Nigeria international while continuing to develop his own game.

The move gives Awoniyi another opportunity to demonstrate his qualities in the Premier League after his time at Forest was affected by injuries and the arrival of further attacking options.

He will also be aiming to maintain his impressive record against Arsenal when Coventry attempt to produce an opening-day surprise against the champions.

For Coventry, Awoniyi’s arrival represents an investment in experience and power as they prepare for the demands of a Premier League campaign. For the striker, the move offers the chance to play a more prominent role and begin a new chapter after four years at Nottingham Forest.