Liverpool hand Awoniyi two-year ultimatum to obtain work permit

Taiwo Awoniyi has explained that Liverpool’s first team coach, Jurgen Klopp played a key role in his loan move to German Bundesliga club Mainz 05.

Klopp spent 18 years at Mainz in different capacities, first as a player before he was appointed coach in 2001.

Awoniyi has embarked on his sixth loan spell since his arrival at Liverpool in 2015, having previously spent time at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Mouscron (2) and KAA Gent.

The Nigeria U-23 international revealed that Liverpool expect him to be eligible for a British work permit within two years and both parties would end their collaboration if the document is not issued.

“For me, Jurgen Klopp is the best coach so far that I have met in my career,’’ Awoniyi told  Sporting Life Nigeria.

“If not for an injury that I had during the pre-season, maybe Nigerians would have seen me on the tour of the United States with Liverpool in the pre-season but we had a discussion also and he talked quite good.

“This was why I went to Mainz because it was where Klopp started. It is like his home and he said Taiwo you can go there and make it your home too.

“He said hopefully I would get my chance there and that maybe in the next one or two years the work permit is given I could come back but if not I would have to move on with my career.’’

Awoniyi was a non-playing substitute for Mainz in their last two matches in the Bundesliga but was introduced off the bench against SC Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.