EPL: Forest eyes new deal for Ola Aina after strong start to new season

Johnson OpeisaOctober 5, 20241 Mins read260

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest gestures during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at City Ground on August 31, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

In January 2025, Aina will be legally free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with other clubs. However, Nuno Espirito Santo has other plans for the 27-year-old.

Ola Aina is on course for a contract extension at Nottingham Forest following an impressive start to the season.

The Nigeria Super Eagles full-back was Forest’s first signing of the 2023/24 summer transfer window after joining as a free agent from Torino. The former Chelsea defender signed a one-year deal, but Forest has triggered the option to extend his stay at the City Ground through the 2024/2025 season.

In January 2025, Aina will be legally free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with other clubs. However, Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has made clear his intent to retain the 27-year-old. “Ola Aina has been exceptional since joining us, and we’re eager to secure his future with the club,” Espirito Santo said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Forest’s trip to Stamford Bridge, where they face Chelsea on Sunday, September 6.

Meanwhile, Aina had earlier hinted at a possible contract extension, expressing satisfaction with his current situation at the club. In an interview with BBC Radio in September, he said, “All I can say is I am really happy at Forest. Fantastic club, I feel at home, and we’re just building. I’m building, the club’s building. Let’s just see what happens in the future.’’

Aina has played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s strong start to the 2024/25 EPL season, starting in all six of their opening matches. His contributions have helped Forest secure two wins—including a historic 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield—three draws, and one loss.

Since making his debut for the Super Eagles in a 1-0 victory over Zambia on October 7, 2017, Aina has amassed 42 caps for Nigeria, recording three assists in the process.

While his club football future is undecided, Aina has been called to the Super Eagles squad that will face Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in a double header over the international break.