Six-time UEFA Champions League winners enter race to sign Ola Aina

Six-time UEFA Champions League winners, Liverpool, have joined Manchester City in the race to sign Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender, Ola Aina, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has been one of the bright sparks of Nuno Espirito’s side this season, helping the Reds chase after a UEFA Champions League spot in the Premier League.

Aina’s contract with Nottingham Forest winds up at the end of the season, and with a new deal yet to be signed, the former Chelsea defender has caught the eye of several top clubs.

8th March 2025 The City Ground, Nottingham. Nottingham Forest versus Manchester City, goalkeeper Matz Sels and Ola Aina. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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As per Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Ola Aina has piqued the attention of Premier League bigwigs with his exploits for Nottingham Forest. Liverpool and Manchester City are closely monitoring his contract situation.

The former Torino defender has played over half a century of games for Forest since joining in 2023, chipping in with three goals and two assists while playing across several positions in the club’s backline.

Ola Aina warms up before the Nottingham Forest FC v Manchester City FC English Premier League match at the City Ground on 8 March 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Manchester or Merseyside?

Pep Guardiola’s side were riddled with injuries this season, and to make things worse, they sold Kyle Walker to AC Milan without bringing in a proper replacement. Matheus Nunes has been their makeshift option for the role, although he’s playing out of position.

In addition, Rico Lewis is yet to be convincing enough to be the first-choice right-back, and he plays largely as a midfielder. So, Aina is a viable target for Manchester City.

Ola Aina is under pressure from Son Heung-Min during the match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on December 26, 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

For Liverpoool, Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his contract and has interest from Real Madrid. Arne Slot’s are weighing up an offer for Ola Aina as they consider the Super Eagles star a worthy replacement for Trent who appears Spain-bound.

Nottingham Forest will hope to tie Aina to a new long-term contract, but nothing concrete has happened as of yet. However, Aina has made it clear he wants to stay at the City Ground.

“I hope so [to continue at Forest], 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,” the full-back said as previously reported by Soccernet.ng.

Ola Aina in action for Nottingham Forest in their 3-1 win against Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

As per Nottingham Post, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also said to be eyeing a move for Aina, meaning the Nigerian has a plethora of options should Forest fail to renew his contract.

Nottingham Forest are currently third on the English Premier League table, four points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.