Taiwo Awoniyi is currently enjoying a strong spell at Excel Mouscron, having scored seven goals in ten appearances, despite never featuring for Gent during the first half of the season. However, the Nigerian striker remains under contract with Liverpool until June 2022, leaving his long-term future uncertain.
Awoniyi has yet to play in England, as he does not currently meet the requirements for a UK work permit. Speaking to the BBC, he explained, “At the end of the season, I will return to Liverpool to discuss things. Everyone knows how important it is to play for your national team in order to obtain a work permit. If you don’t have any luck with the national team, it becomes difficult to get one. I would love to play for Liverpool in the Premier League. God willing, it will happen, and if not, I will have to continue my life and career elsewhere.”
For non-EU players to qualify for a UK work permit, they must have played in at least 75% of their national team’s matches over the previous two years, provided their country ranks among the top 50 in FIFA’s rankings. Currently, Awoniyi does not meet these criteria, which has restricted his opportunities at Liverpool.
As a result, Awoniyi has spent much of his professional career on loan. He joined FSV Frankfurt in 2015-16, moved to NEC Nijmegen a year later, and in 2017-18 had a stint at Mouscron before an unsuccessful spell at Gent. His current form in Belgium suggests he may finally be ready to secure a more permanent role, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere in Europe.
At 22, Awoniyi’s combination of youth and proven scoring ability makes him a player to watch, particularly as he works toward earning national team appearances that could unlock a Premier League move.
