Why Super Eagles striker Awoniyi could be forced out of Nottingham Forest

Premier League club Nottingham Forest are facing the harsh reality that they may be forced to cash in on star striker Taiwo Awoniyi this summer as they look to avoid severe financial fair play sanctions.

The newly promoted Premier League club were recently hit with a significant financial penalty after being found to have breached profit and sustainability regulations.

With projected losses over a three-year period set to exceed the permitted £82 million ceiling by up to £30m, Forest now face a race against time to rebalance their books and comply with the rules.

One of the most valuable assets at Nuno Santo's disposal is Nigerian international Awoniyi, who has impressed with his all-action displays leading the line since arriving from Union Berlin in the summer of 2022.

However, the 26-year-old's consistent performances have inevitably attracted attention from rival clubs who would likely be willing to pay a premium fee for his services.

With little option but to drastically cut costs or face a potentially severe points deduction, Forest could be left with the heartbreaking decision to sacrifice Awoniyi and other prized assets to raise sufficient funds to meet the financial fair play requirements per a The Times report.

While the Midlands club have appealed the initial commission ruling, there is little precedent for successful overturnings of these cases from the Premier League.

Everton's recent appeal over alleged breaches saw them receive a reduced points penalty rather than avoid sanctions completely.

With the threat of points hit hanging over them for next season - even in the event of relegation - Forest's need for a fire sale of prized assets looks increasingly likely as a way to avoid further punishment.

It leaves Santo and the Forest hierarchy with a brutal call to make over parting ways with their Super Eagles man Awoniyi, who has been such an integral figure in their return to the top-flight this season.

Should he depart, it would deal a massive blow to the club's hopes of re-establishing themselves as a Premier League force after 23 years away.