Nigerian football insider Buchi Laba has dismissed reports linking Taiwo Awoniyi with a move to Galatasaray this summer.

Recent reports have linked the Nottingham Forest striker with a move to the Turkish Super Lig as a potential replacement for his countryman Victor Osimhen, who is expected to leave the club after his loan deal.

Buchi Laba, however, has debunked the rumours, stating that Awoniyi is the last Nigerian player Galatasaray expressed interest in, but the player's recent injury record will not make the deal possible.

“The last Nigerian player Galatasaray had serious interest in that I was aware of was Taiwo Awoniyi. Not possible now because of the serious injury he suffered. All other Nigerian names mentioned are all false,” he wrote on his X handle.

Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury in May after colliding with the goalpost during Nottingham Forest's Premier League clash against Leicester City last month.

The 27-year-old impressed in his first season with the Tricky Trees, scoring crucial goals to help the club survive relegation.

The last Nigerian player Galatasaray had serious interest in I was aware off was Taiwo Awoniyi. Not possible now because of the serious injury he suffered. All other Nigerian names mentioned are all false. https://t.co/8OfwuwgHUl

— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) June 9, 2025