Ola Aina signs new deal at Forest

After featuring 35 times in the Premier League last season, Aina and Forest have come to a consensus that the Nigerian international should extend his stay Trentside until 2028.

He joins his manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Chris Wood, and centre-back Murillo in signing new deals. Fellow full-back Neco Williams also signed the dotted line last week to stay at Nottingham Forest until the summer of 2029.

Aina was pivotal for Matz Sels, who achieved his first Golden Glove by keeping 13 clean sheets alongside David Raya and won possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, according to the Nottingham Forest website.

As Forest secured a place in Europe for the first time in 30 seasons in Nuno’s transformative first full season in charge, Aina transitioned to become a regular right-back instead of being used on the left, starting at Forest’s historic 1-0 win at Anfield in September.

Speaking to the club website, Aina said, “I’m over the moon, I can’t wait to continue this jouney with the Club. It’s always felt like a home ever since I joined, and I’m happy to be here. Now my focus is on preparing for the new season well and getting back to hard work.”Meanwhile, owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has great ambitions for the club and involvement in their transfer activity, also said, “Ola has skill, determination and character in abundance. He epitomises the culture and hard work we expect from everyone associated with Forest. He has had a big influence since his arrival here, and we look forward to continuing that journey together to help us achieve incredible things.”

Aina’s contract was due to expire next summer alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is yet to follow suit, and failing to retain the winger could be a decision the club come to rue ahead of next season when they contend with the demands of UEFA Conference League and top-flight football.

Both Aina and Hudson-Odoi won the FA Youth Cup together at Chelsea, where they were both academy products, and both have progressed to become stable assets at Nottingham Forest.Following several weeks of certainty regarding Igor Jesus’ move to Forest, an official announcement has finally been made, and the Brazilian striker is The Tricky Trees’ first signing this summer, despite pre-season getting underway in Nottingham on Monday.

Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga could be on his way out the door as Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of the Swede and are likely to match Forest’s valuation with their other forward targets drifting out of sight.