David Ornstein: Forest secure key defender in new 2028 deal | OneFootball

Ola Aina Commits to Nottingham Forest with New Deal Until 2028

Nottingham Forest have secured a major boost ahead of the new Premier League campaign, with Ola Aina putting pen to paper on a new three-year contract that will keep him at the City Ground until 2028. First reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the news will delight Forest fans who have seen Aina grow into a vital figure since his arrival in 2023.

Initially signed on a one-year deal after leaving Torino, Aina’s future looked uncertain. However, his consistent performances—first at left-back and then on the right—earned him an automatic one-year extension in 2024 when Forest confirmed Premier League safety. Now, the club has moved decisively to reward the Nigerian international with long-term security.

Aina made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Forest to a surprise seventh-place finish in the Premier League and an impressive FA Cup semi-final run. In total, he’s racked up 59 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Reinforcing Core Stability at the City Ground

Aina’s renewal is just the latest in a series of key contract moves by the Forest hierarchy. Chris Wood extended his stay earlier in the 2024-25 season, centre-back Murillo signed until 2029, and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo penned his own new deal last month, also until 2028.

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This commitment to squad stability reflects the club’s ambitions to build on last season’s success and continue progressing under Nuno. Aina’s versatility, experience, and growing leadership make him an ideal figure to lead the defensive line during that journey.

“Ola Aina has committed his future to Nottingham Forest by signing a new three-year contract until 2028,” Ornstein reports. It’s a move that signals trust—not only in Aina’s abilities but in the long-term vision being shaped at the club.

From Chelsea Prospect to International Mainstay

Aina’s journey has been one of steady progression. After coming through Chelsea’s academy and making six senior appearances, he found regular football on loan at Hull City and then Torino, who eventually signed him permanently. He clocked up over 100 games in Serie A before returning to England with Fulham on loan in 2020-21.

Internationally, Aina has earned 40 caps for Nigeria since his senior debut in 2017, bringing valuable experience and composure to Forest’s backline. His dual-footed ability and tactical awareness have made him a perfect fit in Nuno’s evolving system.

Nuno’s System Built Around Consistency

Nuno’s tactical shift in 2024-25 saw Forest evolve into one of the league’s most disciplined sides. Aina’s defensive intelligence and positional flexibility allowed Forest to operate in various formations, often adapting mid-game. His ability to play on both flanks has proven indispensable, and this new deal underlines how important he remains to the manager’s plans.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, Aina’s new deal is more than just a contract—it’s a statement of intent. After years of scrambling for survival, Forest are starting to look settled and ambitious. Securing Aina—who’s arguably been one of our most consistent performers—is just smart business.

He might not grab the headlines like a marquee signing, but anyone who’s watched us closely knows his value. Whether it’s covering dangerous wide areas or popping up with an important interception, Aina’s positioning and calmness under pressure often go unnoticed by the wider media.

What’s even more encouraging is how the club are locking in key pieces of the squad—Murillo, Wood, now Aina—alongside Nuno. That consistency in personnel could be crucial if we’re going to establish ourselves as regulars in the top half or even make a push for Europe again.

Of course, fans will now be watching the summer transfer business closely. But keeping Aina sends a message that we’re not just surviving anymore—we’re building.