From Chelsea rejection to Premier League sensation, Ola Aina’s meteoric rise at Nottingham Forest has been remarkable.
With eight clean sheets, 21 appearances, and two crucial goal-line clearances this season, the Nigeria international has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent performers.
When Kyle Walker’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia made headlines in early January, Manchester City’s reported interest in the Nottingham Forest full-back raised a few eyebrows among Premier League observers.
The 28-year-old Nigerian has been a revelation this season, featuring in every league game for the high-flying Forest side currently sitting second in the table.
It’s a far cry from the player who left Chelsea in 2019 after making just three Premier League appearances for his boyhood club. But Aina’s journey from London to becoming one of England’s most reliable defenders is a testament to his resilience, versatility and unwavering determination.
“We have fun! I think we’re a very energetic group. We take things seriously when needed, but ultimately, we just like to enjoy each and every moment that we have,” Aina told NBC Sports, explaining the secret behind Forest’s remarkable transformation from relegation battlers to title contenders.
The stats tell their own story. Aina has played the seventh-most minutes (1,826) among all Premier League players this season, highlighting his importance to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
His eight clean sheets place him joint-second in the league, while his two goal-line clearances, both coming against leaders Liverpool, the first one in their 1-0 win at Anfield in 2024 and the second in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw.
These clearances demonstrate his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Manchester City’s interest in Aina comes as no surprise to those who have watched his development closely. With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the defender is free to negotiate with clubs this January.
Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany believes signing Aina should be a “no-brainer” for the champions.
“Feels a no-brainer for me. Their contract expiring, at his peak, versatile, brilliant going forward, and solid defensively. I know he’s 28 but there’s a minimum of three years there and he’d be great value,” McInerney said.
The numbers support McInerney’s assessment. Aina’s market value of €14m represents excellent value compared to other targets like Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who would cost around €28m according to Transfermarkt.
The Nigerian also boasts superior attacking returns, with five goals in 75 Premier League appearances compared to Robinson’s zero in 120 games.
However, Forest aren’t ready to let their star defender leave without a fight. The club is confident of extending Aina’s contract, understanding his crucial role in their unexpected title challenge.
Their impressive performances against Liverpool this season – being the only team to defeat the league leaders and taking four points from six available – showcase the team’s growing stature.
In their recent 1-1 draw at the City Ground, Aina was instrumental in frustrating Liverpool’s attack. Alongside Murillo, he led a resolute defensive effort that limited the usually prolific Reds to just one shot on target.
The transformation of the Chelsea academy graduate to a Premier League stalwart hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher included Aina in his Team of the Season so far for the 2024/25 campaign, in recognition of his consistency and impact.
Whether Aina remains at Forest or makes a high-profile move to Manchester City, one thing is certain – the Nigeria international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
His journey from journeyman to being courted by the champions is a reminder that sometimes the longest route can lead to the greatest destinations.
For now, though, Aina remains focused on Forest’s unexpected title challenge. With twelve wins already this season, just two behind Liverpool’s fourteen, the dream of an unlikely Premier League triumph remains very much alive.
And at the heart of that dream stands Nigeria’s Mr Reliable, proving that consistency and hard work still count for everything in football’s most competitive league.