Nottingham Forest suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday but remain in third place in the Premier League, despite another setback away from the City Ground.
The Reds had previously thrashed Brighton 7-0 before the FA Cup took the spotlight, but the loss to Fulham felt like a step back as the Cottagers controlled the game from start to finish.
There wasn’t much to celebrate for Forest in this match. Troy Deeney praised Chris Wood’s performance, and Anthony Elanga made his 100th Premier League appearance, but that was about the extent of the highlights.
Forest were saved by Matz Sels in goal. Without the Belgian’s crucial saves to deny Fulham, the result could have been far worse, perhaps resembling the 5-0 loss they suffered at Bournemouth last month.
Ola Aina’s Contract Situation at Nottingham Forest
It’s concerning that Ola Aina is now nearing the final months of his contract with Forest. Signed on a free transfer from Torino, Aina is eligible for overseas clubs to discuss a pre-contract agreement for a summer move.
Aina has been one of Forest’s standout players this season. Despite the club securing new contracts for Murillo and Chris Wood in January, the defender’s situation remains unresolved.
Aina seems content at Forest, though. Before the Fulham match, he was asked about his future at the club and expressed a desire to stay beyond this season.
He told Sky Sports: “I hope so, I really enjoy it here, I enjoy the players, the staff, the community; as a club, I enjoy everything about it. It’s a good place, so yeah, hopefully, I will be here for a long time.”
Ola Aina’s 2024/25 Stats
Aina has been one of the club’s best performers this season, particularly as a right-back, which has been impressive given the competition for places. His contributions to the team have been significant.
He also fits into the club’s philosophy—he’s at a good age, a skilled player, and seems to have a positive influence in the dressing room.
Aina’s 2024/25 Stats:
Appearances: 25
Tackles: 46
Interceptions: 29
Clearances: 71
Dribbles: 53
At 28, Aina is in the prime of his career and can play in both full-back positions. It would be a real blow for Forest if he were to leave for free after just two years at the club.
It’s puzzling that Forest chose to extend Wood and Murillo’s contracts in January but have yet to secure Aina’s future, especially considering how crucial he has been to the team this season.
Hopefully, a resolution can be reached soon, as losing Aina would create a significant gap in the squad that would need to be filled ahead of next season.
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