Soccer
Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest full-back, Ola Aina, has just four months left on his contract at the City Ground, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old defender joined the two-time UEFA Champions League winners in the summer of 2023, on a year deal, with the option to extend for another season.
Aina’s current deal has the option for another season extension, but with interest from Manchester City, AC Milan, and Roma, the Nigerian might be tempted to leave when the transfer window opens next summer.
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The former Chelsea defender was at fault for one of Newcastle’s goals when both sides met last weekend, causing a penalty via a handball that led to a delicate penalty chip by Aleksandar Isak, and Aina’s decision didn’t go down well with the Forest fans.
Not sure Aina deserves a new contract. We really could do with another option at right back. #nffc
— Kazza (@TilehurstRed) February 23, 2025
Will Forest renew Ola Aina’s contract?
Aina has been one of Forest’s most consistent performers over the past year, accruing 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made it clear he’s keen on keeping the squad together and has tied Murillo and in-form striker, Chris Wood to new deals at the City Ground, but Aina’s situation pends.
The former Tottenham Hotspur head coach has maintained confidence about Aina’s future severally, revealing there’s nothing to worry about.
“On Ola’s contract, No, I don’t think there’s an issue on that. They [Ola Aina, Murillo and Chris Wood] are working very well. Things are going well. The people responsible for that part of the club are taking care of it. It helps when a player is happy, as a club there is no issue in terms of changing. What we want is our players to feel good. We provide the right atmosphere and then they have to do their jobs on the pitch,” Nuno said as previously reported by Soccernet.ng.
Aina, on the other hand as well, has revealed he’s content with life at the City Ground, revealing his intent to continue with the Reds despite interest from elsewhere.
“I hope so [to continue at Forest], I really enjoy it here. I enjoy the staff, the players, the club, the community. Everything about it is a good place, so, yeah, hopefully,” the full-back told Sky Sports prior to Forest’s loss to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
With the admission of continuity from the club’s coach and the player, it appears an agreement might be on the cards, and if nothing concrete happens, there’s an extension clause for both parties to fall back on.
Nottingham Forest are currently third on the English Premier League, punching above their weights as they press on towards a UEFA Champions League qualification spot. They’ve lost their last two league games.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.
With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.
He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
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