Nottingham Forest have confirmed that right-back Ola Aina has signed a new three-year contract following a stellar 2024-25 campaign.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international has been rewarded with improved terms that will keep him at the City Ground until 2028, extending a stay that began with a free transfer from Serie A side Torino in the summer of 2023.

His previous deal, which was originally set to expire in 2026 after Forest triggered an automatic one-year extension by avoiding relegation, has now been superseded.

Aina’s extension continues a productive summer for Forest, who are looking to build on one of their most impressive top-flight seasons in recent memory.

The club narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification, finishing seventh after a dramatic final-day 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. However, that placement secured them a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa Conference League; their first European campaign since the 1995-96 season.

Aina: “It’s Always Felt Like Home”

Speaking to the club’s official website, Aina expressed his delight at the new deal, pledging a promising stay at the club for the upcoming season.

“I’m over the moon, I can’t wait to continue this journey with the club. It’s always felt like home ever since I joined and I’m happy to be here. Now my focus is on preparing for the new season well and getting back to hard work”.
Ola Aina

Aina’s performances over the past year have been central to Forest’s transformation from relegation battlers into continental contenders.

Aina featured in 35 Premier League matches during the 2024-25 season. He was instrumental in the Tricky Trees recording 11 clean sheets; a mark bettered only by a handful of elite defenders.

Among all defenders in the Premier League, only Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (14 clean sheets), Aina’s teammate Nikola Milenkovic, Newcastle United’s Dan Burn (both 13), and Arsenal’s William Saliba (12) registered more shutouts.

Beyond his defensive contributions, Aina chipped in with two goals and one assist, offering a vital attacking outlet on the right flank.

Stat Leader in Both Defence and Attack

Statistically, his impact extended to ball progression and duels. He completed the sixth-most dribbles of any defender in the Premier League (33), while his tally of 42 successful tackles ranked him among the league’s most effective in defensive duels. Only 14 defenders across the top flight managed more.

Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, also signed a new contract last month, tying him to the club until 2028. The club has also secured long-term futures for key players such as striker Chris Wood and centre-back Murillo.

The 2025-26 campaign promises to be a significant one for Forest. They kick off their Premier League season on August 17 with an away trip to Brentford, before shifting focus to their Conference League play-off tie, the first leg of which will take place on August 21.

With Aina now committed for the long haul and Forest poised for a return to European football, optimism is building on the banks of the River Trent.