Liverpool’s Taiwo Awoniyi is a very interesting proposition for Rangers to bolster the front line for next season, following reported interest.
The £4.1 million rated 23-year old Nigerian is currently enjoying a productive stint on loan in the Bundesliga with Union Berlin.
So far this season, the player has five goals and three assists from 19 appearances in the German top flight.
With questions over the Ibrox futures of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe, it appears very likely that at least one first team striker will be brought in for next season by Steven Gerrard.
Could Awoniyi fit the bill?
One obvious issue to be considered is the nomadic existence that the front man has led over the last few years.
Despite signing for Liverpool back in 2015, he is yet to register a single appearance for the Reds, mainly due to work permit issues.
Due to this, he has featured on loan for six different clubs over the six years which isn’t viable for much longer.
The lad needs stability and with this not seeming likely at Liverpool, Rangers can step in to provide that platform.
He spoke recently about his lingering Anfield aspitations, as told to World Soccer Magazine, (March 2021 issue, page 70).
Awoniyi stated: “Liverpool will always be the priority for me and I am grateful to everyone at the club.”
“I still don’t have the work permit to play in England but with the new rules in place, and the minutes I have played in Germany this season, no one knows what the future will hold regarding the UK work permit.”
“If I become eligible to play in the UK, I think I can have a say on what my decision will be.”
“Things have changed remarkably with the new rules and this will certainly help me decide my next step.”
“Liverpool is a very special club – they are always in contact to see how I am doing and to ensure I know that they are following my progress out here.”
With the ongoing implications of Brexit, work permit issues are a fluid situation with some reports stating that he will now be eligible to get a place in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
It will be easier for the player to secure a work permit for the Scottish game, rather than in England – the SPFL have been in dialogue with the Home Office on this very topic.
However, the following issues favour Rangers if the club decides to pursue the player
- Liverpool form
With the reigning champions experiencing a difficult ‘second season’, are they really going to be able to blood an unknown quantity in Premier League terms into their front line when relative pressure is on? The likes of Divock Origi has struggled for game time as it is, with the Champions League winner likely to be heading for an Anfield exit this coming Summer.
- The Gerrard factor
Whilst Liverpool won’t be charitable to Rangers or Steven Gerrard, the obvious links and goodwill are firmly established. The signing of Ryan Kent saw the player move to Glasgow in lets say ‘a preferred destination’ whilst Liverpool got a very good price for the player. With Awoniyi, a buy-back option or sell-on fee could protect the Kop club’s interests. If he isn’t going to make it with Liverpool, taking the next step under a legend like Gerrard can be the next best thing.
- Rangers Nigerian contingent
This would provide some ‘soft power’ in the event that the move is in motion. At Rangers, Awoniyi would find some home comforts and a boost to his profile from the presence of Nigerian internationals, Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, as well as Calvin Bassey. Being able to relate to others as well as increasing his national team credentials would likely be attractive to the player.
All things considered, it is an interesting prospect if Rangers are to follow up on reported interest in the Liverpool loanee.
He is proving himself to be capable in the Bundesliga and is at the right age for further improvement with later sell-on credentials.
Watch this space.