Nottingham Forest contracts latest - Wood stance, Aina 'eyed', what has been said
Sorting out the futures of two of their key players will be just as important as any signings Nottingham Forest make this month.
There has been plenty of talk about who the Reds could bring in during the January transfer window to keep them flying high at the top end of the table. But the spotlight is also on full-back Ola Aina and striker Chris Wood as two of the most high-profile players in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad are now in the final six months of their City Ground contracts.
Talks have been held with the duo about new deals, but so far nothing has been agreed. We take a look at what we know so far and what has been said...
Situation as it stands
Forest have a number of players whose deals are due to expire in June. Harry Toffolo and Jonathan Panzo (currently on loan at Rio Ave) fall into that category, as does Willy Boly, albeit with the club holding an option to retain his services for a further 12 months.
It would come as little surprise if the aforementioned trio depart come the summer, but the Reds are keen to hang on to Wood and Aina. Both have been integral to Forest’s sensational first half of the campaign.
Aina signed a one-year deal when he joined as a free agent in 2023, then a 12-month extension option was activated last summer. Wood, meanwhile, signed for two-years when his loan from Newcastle United became a permanent move at the end of the 2022/23 season.
As of January 1, players in the final six months of their deals are able to negotiate with foreign clubs. Those affected are able to sign pre-contract agreements to ensure their futures are decided long before the campaign is over.
According to TBR Football, Forest are “confident and pleased” with how discussions are going. It is said the club hope “they can finalise” fresh terms for both players by the end of January.
Wood’s stance
Reports have suggested Forest put a one-year extension on the table for the New Zealand international. However, he is said to be keen for a two-year deal amid his preference to remain at the City Ground.
The 33-year-old has been the Reds’ go-to man for goals this term and that has led to him catching the eye of other clubs. He is said to have admirers in Europe, Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
Aina interest
As with his team-mate, Aina is not short of admirers. Serie A sides Roma and AC Milan have reportedly been monitoring his situation, while Manchester City have also been linked.
Earlier this week, Galatasaray became the latest team credited with an interest in the Nigerian. Turkish reports can sometimes be taken with a pinch of salt, but a reporter who covers the club has said Aina is on their wish list.
Turkish media outlet Haber Sari Kirmizi quoted Galatasaray reporter Kutlu Akpınar as saying: “Galatasaray is looking for a right-back. One of these names is Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest. Galatasaray has not made an official offer to this name yet, but he is one of the players they are interested in. I see it as a difficult transfer.”
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What has been said?
Wood has previously said about the possibility of a new contract Trentside: "Whenever it happens, it happens. It's not something I can control or worry about. I can't let it affect me. These things take time and I just have to worry about scoring goals, winning games and doing well for this club.”
When suggestions of a new contract being in the offing emerged earlier this season, Aina 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."
What has Nuno said on the duo?
Asked about Aina’s contract situation in November, Nuno said: “I think things are going well. I am a coach, I give my opinion.
“We love what Ola is doing. We love him as a player and as a person, but other people in the club take care of those discussions.”
Meanwhile, the Portuguese has been very clear about just how important Wood is to the team and has backed him to keep going well into his 30s. Nuno previously said: “I believe so. Chris really takes care of himself. Nutrition and rest is so important. Chris has this ambition to keep playing, so he has to take care of his body and his mind. And he is perfect now. As long as he continues, good.”
