By Samuel Nobleman Osasenaga
Premier League side, Nottingham Forest has completed the signing of Ola Aina on a free transfer for a one-year deal after he departs Torino.
The Super Eagles defender signed the contract that will see him stay with the Forest side till the end of the 2023/2024 season with options for the future also agreed in the contract.
The 26-year-old had five years in Torino and left the Italian side at the end of the 2023/2023 season at the expiration of his contract having made 113 appearances across all competitions including 102 appearances in Serie A.
Born in London, the fullback joined Chelsea’s Under 11 and progressed through the ranks winning a U21 Premier League title, two FA youth cups, and two UEFA youth league titles in the youth team and making his senior debut in August 2016 before leaving the club in 2019 for Torino.
He returned in the 2021/2022 campaign to the Premier League with Fulham making 33 appearances for the Cottagers.
“I’m very excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I wanted to be back on English soil again and Forest is a club which has an exciting project and team.
“The manager as well, what he wants from the team is something which I want to buy into. He’s told me it’s a family club, he’s told me we have a great bunch of players and he’s told me I’ll enjoy it here.”
“It’s exciting to be back playing in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world and I always want to challenge myself.
“I know some of the boys well already which is good for me, but I’m excited to meet the rest of my teammates and get to know everyone.
“I saw Forest in action last season and the fans are as loud as can be throughout the whole game, which is something I’m relishing and can’t wait to experience. I can’t wait for it.” Aina said in a statement after signing for the City Ground Club.
Aina played for England from U16 to U21 levels before pledging his Future to the green and white of Nigeria in 2017 and has made 30 appearances for the Super Eagles so far.
The versatile and athletic defender becomes Forest’s first major signing of the season and will try to help the club in the upcoming season having finished 16th in the English Premier League Log in the 2022/2023 season.