In a move that underlines his value to the team, Nottingham Forest is poised to activate a contract extension for Ola Aina, the versatile fullback who joined from Chelsea, according to allnigeriasoccer.com. This decision follows Aina’s noteworthy contributions to the team in his first season at the City Ground.
Aina, a product of Chelsea’s Cobham Academy, initially signed a one-year deal with Forest, which included an option for an additional year. With his solid performances on the field, the club is keen to keep the 27-year-old Nigerian, who’s current market is estimated at €10 million international for at least another season.
Despite the managerial transition from Steve Cooper to Nuno Espírito Santo, Aina has remained a crucial part of the Forest defense, showcasing his flexibility by playing both left and right fullback positions. His season was briefly interrupted by a stint at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by an injury that limited his playtime upon his return.
However, Aina’s resilience shone through as he made a significant return to action last weekend against Crystal Palace and contributed valuable minutes in Forest’s recent 3-1 victory over Fulham. Across all competitions this season, Aina has made 16 appearances and been involved in two goals, reinforcing his importance to the team’s setup.
As Nottingham Forest looks to build on their current squad’s strengths, securing Aina’s services for the future highlights their commitment to maintaining a robust defensive lineup. The extension is a testament to Aina’s impact at Forest and his potential contributions in the seasons to come.
