Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Nigerian defender Ola Aina from Serie A side Torino on a one-year contract.
The 26-year-old becomes Forest’s first signing of the summer, with options for the future also agreed in the contract.
The defender joined Torino from Chelsea in 2018. He briefly returned to the Premier League in the 2020-2021 season, playing on loan at Fulham.
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Aina played for England at every age group from under-16 to under-20. He has received 30 international caps for Nigeria since pledging allegiance to the Super Eagles in 2017.
The versatile defender was born in London and is a Chelsea academy graduate. He joined the Blues at under-11 level, progressing through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and winning two FA Youth Cups. Aina also claimed two UEFA Youth League titles and a U21 Premier League title as a youngster.
While at Fulham, Ola Aina played 33 times for during a campaign which saw him shortlisted for the Premier League Goal of the Season Award after a magnificent goal against West Bromwich Albion.
“Can’t wait to get started”
Speaking about joining Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina said: “I’m very excited to be here and 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.
Aina said he saw Forest in action last season and “the fans are as loud as can be throughout the whole game.” He says it is something he’s relishing and can’t wait to experience.
Ola Aina will make the team stronger – Cooper
Nottingham Forest Head Coach, Steve Cooper, said: “We’re really pleased that Ola has joined us.
“He’s a versatile player who has good experience of the Premier League and Serie A. He’s a really good player, but a good athlete as well.
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Cooper also said Aina will “definitely make the team stronger and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, added: “We are pleased to welcome Ola to Forest.
“In the discussions that Steve and I have had with him we can see how excited he is to join Forest and return to the Premier League after enjoying his time outside of England in Serie A.”
