Nottingham Forest is closing in on a new contract for Ola Aina, with reports suggesting that the full-back is on the verge of agreeing to extend his stay at the City Ground. Aina’s current deal expires next summer, putting him at risk of leaving on a free transfer. However, The Athletic indicates that after weeks of negotiations, a new contract — along with a pay increase — is nearly finalized.
Aina has become a key figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, starting every Premier League match this season alongside goalkeeper Matz Sels and defender Murillo. After playing primarily as a left-back last season, he has now made the right-back position his own.
Having initially joined Forest on a one-year contract in 2023 after leaving Torino, Aina’s deal included a clause to extend his stay for another year. However, with his contract set to expire next summer, he would have been free to negotiate with overseas clubs in January. Instead, it now appears he will remain at Forest for a longer term.
Keeping Aina would provide stability to Nuno’s defense, as the manager has stuck with the same back four in recent matches. If Aina extends his contract, however, he could miss part of the 2025-26 season due to international duties. The 28-year-old, who has 40 caps for Nigeria, is expected to be included in the Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place between December 2025 and January 2026.
