Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that contract negotiations to secure Nigeria international Ola Aina’s future at the club are progressing positively.
Aina has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest and is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs since the start of the 2024/25 season. His contributions have been crucial to Forest’s defensive stability, which has kept them in the top half of the league table.
The club has been in discussions with the 28-year-old, whose impressive form has attracted interest from top Italian Serie A clubs, including AC Milan and AS Roma, as well as other Premier League teams.
Aina joined Forest in the summer of 2023 from Serie A side Torino, initially signing a one-year deal. The contract was extended by an additional year in May 2024, keeping him at the club until 2025. Nottingham Forest is now working to secure him on a more lucrative, long-term contract.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is eager to retain the versatile Super Eagles defender, expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions between the club, Aina, and his representatives.
“I think things are going well. I am a coach, I give my opinion,” said the former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager when asked about Aina’s future. “We love what Ola is doing. We love him as a player and as a person, but other people in the club handle those discussions.”
Aina, in a September interview, also expressed his desire to remain at the club and contribute to their continued success. So far this season, he has made 12 league appearances, scoring once in Forest’s 3-0 victory over West Ham.
