02 March 2024 , 05:00
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Jurgen Klopp backed Taiwo Awoniyi’s move to Union Berlin before claiming he “belonged” in the Premier League.
The Nigerian striker spent six years within Liverpool’s academy but was never afforded a first-team appearance. He was sent out on a series of loan spells - the most successful of those coming with Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
His form in the German top flight prompted a permanent move to the club, something that Klopp gave his blessing to. Speaking to The Telegraph about his time on Merseyside, Awoniyi said: “It was frustrating because every summer I’d be in pre-season training at Liverpool waiting to see how it goes with the permit.
"I hadn’t played for my national team or in any of Europe’s top five leagues. In the end I’d have to go out on loan, but in life I have been in more difficult situations than that. I’ve always believed I would play in the Premier League. It has always been my biggest target as a football player.
"Even when I was in Liverpool’s second team I learned so much. The way they set up training, and all the fantastic players around me, made it a learning process. Before I left, he (Klopp) told me that Union Berlin were pushing everything to sign me permanently (after a successful loan spell in 2020-21).
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"He said, ‘That is the key for a player, the moment a team wants to sign you so much that means you belong there.' That was the last discussion we had and he was right."
After 20 goals in his first season as a permanent Union Berlin player, the 26-year-old was then back on his way to England. Nottingham Forest made a £17m move for the striker, a deal that benefited Liverpool having slotted a 10 per cent sell-on clause into his move to Germany.
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Awoniyi has proven to be a shrewd signing since then. He has scored 17 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for Forest. One of those strikes came against former side in a 1-0 victory for the Midlands side in October 2022.
Speaking after that game, Reds boss Klopp said Awoniyi was always destined to become a Premier League star. He said: “He’s had a sensational development. He has arrived where he belongs and I am happy for him, but not today so much.”
Despite the kind words, Awoniyi will be out to get one over his former side once again this weekend. The striker has netted in two out of Forest’s last three home games - a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal, as well as a 2-0 victory against West Ham.
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