ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made the decision to include the 2013 U17 World Cup-winning striker Taiwo Awoniyi in his squad for a training camp beginning from Monday, July 12.
The Reds confirmed on Friday morning that thirty-four players are reporting for pre-season training next week, with Awoniyi part of the group.
On the other hand, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) target Sheyi Ojo has not been included in the traveling squad, fueling speculation that he is not in the plans of the German football tactician for at least the first part of the 2021-2022 campaign.
Awoniyi and his Liverpool teammates will start preparations for the forthcoming season in Salzburg, Austria before moving to Tyrol later in the camp.
Thanks to his appearances in the German Bundesliga, one of the top five leagues in Europe, over the past two seasons, Awoniyi has finally been granted a work permit. A document that has paved the way for him to play in England six years after his celebrated move to Liverpool.
Although the ex-Golden Eaglets star has been in link with a departure from Liverpool, loan or permanent exit, Klopp could still change his mind. He could bring the Nigerian striker into the first-team fold if he impresses during the training camp.
Awoniyi previously spent time on loan at FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron (2), Gent, Mainz and Union Berlin.
Meanwhile, Paul Onuachu’s proposed move to the English Premier League is hanging in the balance due to his asking price. Three weeks ago West Ham United and Brighton & Hove were mulling over a bid for the 27-year-old.
Though Racing Genk’s 30 million euros asking price is well within the reach of Premier League clubs, they are dragging their feet over a deal because he has no or very little resale value considering that he would be offered at least a four-year deal for that fee.
Onuachu resumed training at the Belgian Cup winners on Thursday.