Nigeria’s Ola Aina is Nottingham’s first summer signing

Nottingham Forest have made their first summer signing, bringing in defender Ola Aina on a free transfer after leaving Serie A side Torino.

The 26-year-old Nigeria international has agreed a one-year deal with Forest, with options for the future also agreed in the contract.

Aina, who has made 30 appearances for Nigeria since his Super Eagles debut in 2017, joins his third Premier League club, having played for Chelsea in 2016/17 and then made 31 top-flight appearances for Fulham during a loan spell in 2020/21, scoring twice.

“It’s exciting to be back playing in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world and I always want to challenge myself,” Aina told the club’s official website.

“The manager as well, what he wants from the team is something which I want to buy into. He’s told me it’s a family club., he’s told me we have a great bunch of players and he’s told me I’ll enjoy it here.

“I know some of the boys well already which is good for me, but I’m excited to meet the rest of my team-mates and get to know everyone.”

Head coach Steve Cooper added: “He’s a versatile player who has good experience of the Premier League and Serie A. He’s a really good player, but a good athlete as well.

“He’ll definitely make the team stronger and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Nottinhgam start their Premier League campaign at Arsenal on Saturday 12 August.