Mainz Open Talks With Liverpool Over Extending Stay Of 2013 U17 World Cup Winner

German Bundesliga side Mainz 05 have opened talks with Liverpool over retaining 2013 U17 World Cup-winning striker Taiwo Awoniyi for next season.

Liverpool and Mainz were on the same page regarding the premature termination of Awoniyi's loan deal in January but the striker stayed put in Germany because the European champions preferred to see the Nigerian play in a new league in order to enhance his development, rather than returning to Belgium.

The Liverpool loanee has been enjoying a new lease of life since the resumption of the Bundesliga, starting the last three games played by Mainz and opened his account in the top-flight vs Cologne last month.

"I am very, very positive about him," Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroder told Bild.

"Taiwo never let himself down, always had his head up and the absolute will to improve was never negative. It is a symbol of how team sport works."

On the possibility of keeping Awoniyi beyond this summer, Schroder said : "We are in an exchange with Liverpool, that is an open position.

"We are now waiting for the last games. Then we'll see what the next steps are".

Awoniyi is contracted to Liverpool until the end of the 2022-2023 season and previously spent time on loan at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, KAA Gent and Royal Excel Mouscron.

Igho Kingsley