Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Nigeria international Ola Aina on a one-year deal with the option of another year.
The former Torino defender becomes Forest’s first acquisition of the season as they hope to bolster their defense ahead of the 2023/24 league season.
Aina, a former Chelsea academy player who had become a free agent after the expiration of his contract spent five years with the Serie A side making a total of 113 appearances in all competitions.
Reacting to the move, the 26-year-old says he is excited to be joining the traditional Premier League side and can’t wait to get started.
“I’m very excited to be here at Nottingham Forest and I can’t wait to get started,” Ola Aina told Nottingham Forest website. “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 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.”
Speaking of Aina’s signing, Nottingham Forest manager, 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.”
“He’ll definitely make the team stronger and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
