An exciting end to the season is on the cards for Nottingham Forest as they chase Champions League qualification and further progress in the FA Cup.
But however the next couple of months pan out, it will be a big summer at the City Ground. The Reds will be aiming to put together a squad capable of continuing on an upward curve in 2025/26.
It was a quiet winter window Trentside but the club did oversee some important bits of business in overseeing new deals for key men Murillo and Chris Wood. And Forest will hope more positive contract news will soon follow regarding Ola Aina. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the full-back's situation.
Situation as it stands
The full-back quickly established himself as a key figure for the Reds after his move to the City Ground in the summer of 2023. Generally a model of consistency in the Garibaldi, he has already notched up more than 50 appearances for the club.
Aina’s versatility of being able to operate on both flanks is incredibly useful. A free transfer after leaving Torino, he has already proved to be an excellent bit of business by Forest.
The Nigeria international penned a one-year deal when he made the switch Trentside. A 12-month extension was then activated last summer.
Another automatic year’s extension is set to be triggered on the full-back’s contract, which is due to expire in the summer. However, talks have taken place regarding a further extension.
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Aina’s stance
Suggestions of a new deal being in the offing for Aina first emerged in the early part of the season. At the time, the defender gave every indication it would be something he welcomed.
He said in September: "All I can say is I am really happy at Forest. Fantastic club, I feel at home and we're just building. I'm building, the club's building. Let's just see what happens in the future."
Although there has been no announcement since then, Aina reiterated his stance in a recent interview with Sky Sports. He made clear he is settled on the banks of the Trent.
Asked if he would like to be at the City Ground for a long time, Aina said: “I hope so, I really enjoy it here. I enjoy the staff, the players, the club, the community. Everything about it is a good place, so, yeah, hopefully.”
What Nuno has said
Nuno has said he doesn’t generally get involved in discussions around such matters as new contracts. However, for a number of months he has maintained his confidence that a positive conclusion will soon be reached.
Earlier this month, the Portuguese said when asked if good news is expected on Aina soon: “I think so. Things are going well. I am positive and confident everything is going to be solved.”
Other interest
Even though Forest are hopeful Aina will put pen to paper and the 28-year-old has been clear he is happy at the City Ground, it hasn’t prevented speculation about his future. Some excellent performances are said to have caught the eye of other clubs.
Manchester City were linked before the winter transfer window closed while Serie A sides Roma and AC Milan have previously been credited with an interest. Turkish side Galatasaray have also been mentioned as a potential suitor.
However, a key focus of Forest’s transfer strategy in recent windows has been retaining their key players. Nuno values what Aina brings, both on and off the field, and the former Chelsea man will have a big part to play in the remainder of the season as the Reds target European football.
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