Nigeria youth star Taiwo Awoniyi has stated he prefers to leave Liverpool after failing to secure a work permit in the UK since his arrival in 2015.
Awoniyi joined the Reds five years ago following his heroics at 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup and 2015 Africa U20 Championship where he helped Nigeria win both tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Senegal respectively.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan at FC Union Berlin, after previous spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Mouscron (twice), and Gent. Last season, he was at Mainz.
“It is my dream to play for Liverpool,” he told ESPN.
“But me playing for Liverpool has to do with getting my work permit.
“Without it, there is no chance for me to discuss playing for Liverpool for now.”
As a result, he discussed making a permanent move away from Anfield this past window.
He said: “This season was maybe a bit tough to make the decision because honestly, I was hoping to leave permanently.
“Liverpool have been great, they have been so supportive and we always talk with the director and every time, they tell me to be patient.
“But the reason I discussed something permanent this season was just that I felt most loans I have been to, have not really been the way I want it.
“And I felt like it happens that way because the loan players get less of an advantage than the players of their own club.
“That was what made me think, okay, maybe it’s time to find a home with my family.”
