Ola Aina contract latest as Nottingham Forest boss Nuno provides update
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo remains “confident” defender Ola Aina will put pen to paper on a new Nottingham Forest contract.
Since the turn of the year, the Reds have tied down striker Chris Wood and centre-back Murillo to fresh terms. They are hopeful Aina will soon follow suit.
An 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 for the Nigeria international.
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Asked whether he is confident there will soon be good news on that front, Nuno said: “I think so. Things are going well. I am positive and confident everything is going to be solved.”
Aina has been a key player for Forest since arriving at the City Ground on a free transfer in the summer of 2023. He has made the right-back spot his own this season, having switched over from the left.
The 28-year-old was not involved on Tuesday night as Nuno shuffled his pack for the FA Cup tie at Exeter City. The Reds boss made 10 changes to his starting line-up but had to turn to some of his big guns in the end as the fourth round clash went to extra-time and then penalties.
Forest came through to win 4-2 on spot-kicks after it had finished 2-2 at the end of the 120 minutes. However, progress in the competition did not come without cost as striker Taiwo Awoniyi (broken nose and suspected concussion) and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel (hamstring) picked up injuries.
It has led to questions over whether the Reds have a deep enough squad to continue to fight on two fronts as they look to maintain their lofty position in the Premier League. Aina will almost certainly return to the starting XI for Saturday’s trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage (3pm kick-off) and Nuno remains relaxed about the options he has available.
“I don’t have to think about things when they don’t happen. When things happen, then we have to find solutions,” he said.
“That is what is important for us regarding the depth of our squad - we have solutions. It will be better if we maintain everyone healthy and available, because I think we can compete in both competitions until the end of the season.
“But we don’t operate on ‘ifs’. The reality is I think we have a balanced and good squad.”
