Liverpool sold “sensational” PL star for just £6m, now he scores more often than Salah – opinion
Liverpool’s ascent under Jurgen Klopp’s reign is a testament to their astute transfer dealings.
The club’s transformation since the German manager’s arrival in 2015 has been nothing short of spectacular, yielding a trove of silverware.
However, amidst the successes, there have been intriguing transfer stories, with Naby Keita‘s £53 million arrival standing out as a poignant case, marred by injuries.
Awoniyi’s Remarkable Rise
On the flip side, the departure of Taiwo Awoniyi, an under-the-radar transfer, has witnessed the Nigerian striker’s remarkable rise in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
Awoniyi was initially signed for a mere £400k. Then he embarked on a loan odyssey across Europe during his time with Liverpool. The loan culminated in a permanent transfer to Union Berlin for £6 million.
Awoniyi’s Forest Impact
Last summer, Awoniyi found a new home at Nottingham Forest, signing for £17.5 million. His performance in his debut season was impressive, with 11 goals in 19 starting appearances across all competitions.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in Forest’s successful campaign, ensuring their Premier League survival.
Awoniyi’s Goal Against Liverpool
The highlight of Awoniyi’s journey was his goal against Liverpool, earning praise from Klopp for his development since leaving Merseyside.
While he may not reach the heights of Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian’s impact has been extraordinary.
Salah set Premier League records and amassed 188 goals and 81 assists for Liverpool.
Reds’ Heart: Mo Salah
Salah, the embodiment of attacking prowess, remains indispensable for Liverpool. Despite tempting offers, Liverpool rejected a £150 million bid, affirming his untouchable status.
With a stellar 30-goal season behind him and a strong start to the current season, Salah continues to be the linchpin of Liverpool’s attack.
Liverpool’s Transfer: Awoniyi vs Salah
Remarkably, Awoniyi has outperformed Salah in terms of goals per 90 minutes in the past year, ranking among Europe’s top forwards at 0.76 per match.
Salah, in comparison, ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers at 0.59 per game. These statistics underscore Awoniyi’s impact as a prolific forward in European football.
Liverpool’s Transfer Success
Awoniyi’s success at Forest serves as a reminder of the talent Liverpool once possessed. His incisiveness could have been valuable during Liverpool’s struggles last season.
And he may still have a role to play under Klopp’s management. He represents a ferocious threat in the final third, showcasing the intricacies of Liverpool’s transfer machine.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy has been pivotal to their success under Jurgen Klopp. Awoniyi’s journey from an unknown signing to a Premier League goal-scoring sensation is a testament to the club’s scouting acumen, while Salah remains a footballing legend at Anfield.
Both players embody the dynamism and vision of Liverpool’s transfer prowess, illustrating their ability to uncover hidden gems and nurture world-class talent.
