2013 U17 World Cup Winner Likened To Erling Haaland Reiterates Desire To Return To Liverpool

2013 U17 World Cup-winning striker Taiwo Awoniyi has reiterated his desire to return to his parent club Liverpool on the expiration of his loan deal with Union Berlin.

Since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2015, the Super Eagles hopeful has also taken in loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron, KAA Gent and Mainz 05 due to a work permit obstacle.

Awoniyi has had an eventful campaign so far at Union Berlin and has made himself undroppable with a goal involvement of eight in his last fourteen appearances in the Bundesliga.

Awoniyi's playing style has drawn comparisons to Borussia Dortmund super talent Erling Haaland because of the runs he makes behind the line.

With the new rules in England, the former Nigeria U23 international stands a good chance of getting a work permit before the start of the 2021-2022 season.

"Liverpool will always be the priority for me and I am grateful to everyone at the club," Awoniyi told World Soccer Magazine (via Liverpool Echo).

"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."

Awoniyi is aware that Liverpool are keeping tabs on his progress in Germany before the Premier League champions make another decision on his future at the end of the season.

"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.

"It motivates me to know my parent club is following up and have my best interests at heart.

"Presently, I am still a Liverpool player until the last day of my contract, but no one knows what the future holds.

"My dream has always been to play in the Premier League and it’s why I signed for Liverpool.

"I still keep the dream alive but if leaving will facilitate it, why not?

"At the moment, it is impossible to say what might happen in the future," he concluded.

Awoniyi has played for all of Nigeria's youth teams, making appearances and scoring in the 2013 U17 and 2015 U20 World Cups, but has not been capped at senior level.

Igho Kingsley