🧾 Title: Nottingham Forest Stun Fans with Retained List – Ola Aina Included
1. The announcement and fan reaction
On June 9, 2025, Nottingham Forest officially released their retained list for the upcoming season.
While securing contract renewals for veterans like Willy Boly and initiating talks with Wayne Hennessey were expected, the retention of Emmanuel Dennis sparked criticism.
Dennis, with just 2 goals in 25 appearances and numerous loan spells, drew backlash on social media. One fan even tweeted, “Can we just rip up the Dennis contract please and pay him off.”
The mixed feedback underscores the pressure Forest face in balancing squad stability with competitive edge.
2. Ola Aina: one-year extension triggered
Forest triggered a one-year extension on Aina’s contract, keeping him at the club for the 2025/26 season.
Initially signed in 2023 after a solid backline performance, Aina has since become indispensable under Nuno EspĂrito Santo.
His extension signals Forest’s desire to maintain defensive cohesion as they prepare for the Europa Conference League—a gamble that could pay off with continued form or cost dearly if interest arises from bigger clubs.
3. Aina’s 2024/25 performance — myth and metrics
Looking beyond the headlines of “no assist” claims, the stats tell a richer story:
Appearances: Featured in 35 Premier League matches, plus two FA Cup games, totaling 37 appearances.
Goals: Found the net twice, bolstering his value as a full-back who can push forward .
Assists: Registered one assist in domestic league play—contradicting assumptions some fans made. Internationally, he also provided a key pass for Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in a Nations League match .
His defensive contributions are equally noteworthy: in the Premier League alone, he made 53 tackles, 30 interceptions, and 87 clearances .
That consistency across all fronts makes him far from an easy retention.
4. Fan sentiment: the Reddit consensus
Forest supporters on r/nffc voiced strong appreciation:
“His workrate is amazing. We’re lucky to have him.”
“Needs to sign a new contract.”
Another thread emphasized:
“Ola how I love you… There isn’t a winger in the world that man wouldn’t pocket… He’s the best fullback in the league hands down.”
These sentiments showcase Aina as a firm fan favorite, valued for both performance and character.
5. Contract rollercoaster & summer headlines
As of February–March 2025, Aina’s deal was due to expire, but Forest had triggered the extension and were actively negotiating a long-term contract.
Yet, interest from heavyweights like Manchester City, AC Milan, and Roma remained, leading fans to push for faster resolution.
In parallel, Forest reportedly struck a pre-contract with Bright Osayi-Samuel, signaling possible future competition for Aina’s position.
Despite that, club sources and coach Nuno have expressed strong confidence that Aina will stay beyond 2025.
6. The accuracy of the claim: “37 games, no assist”
The statement that Aina made no assists across 37 games is incorrect—he has one PL assist and another for Nigeria.
Statistically, his goal contributions tally at 3 goals and 2 assists over 59 appearances in all competitions for Forest since joining.
This misconception likely stemmed from conflating league-only data with total output, but both numbers prove he’s far from unproductive.
7. Why Forest kept Aina
Defensive reliability: Central to a defence that secured a 7th-place finish. Partnered with players like Murillo and Milenkovic, he helped make Forest one of the tighter backlines.
Stamina and flexibility: His ability to play both flanks, deliver crosses, and support attacks adds tactical diversity.
Leadership and attitude: A fan favorite and backbone in high-stakes matches—he’s brought cohesion and intent.
Commercial value: A free agent departure risks losing him without any transfer fee.
Given these factors, retaining Aina was a strategic move—not a sentimental one.
8. Looking ahead: questions and scenarios
Area Key Considerations
Long-term deal Will negotiations conclude with a multi-year extension, or will Aina depart in 2026?
Recruitment overlap If Bright Osayi-Samuel joins, could Aina shift roles, or is competition looming?
Transfer interest Clubs like Manchester City could offer more than Forest’s likely wage package—can Forest realistically match it?
European demands With Conference League fixtures ahead, how will Aina’s fitness and rotation be managed across competitions?
9. Conclusion
The headline about “no assists” is misleading—but it underscores a broader point: fans focus on flashy metrics, while Forest prioritize consistency and versatility. By extending Aina’s contract, the club isn’t being sentimental—they’re ensuring reliability in a key defensive role for the season ahead.
For supporters questioning his retention: check the stats—a full-back with contributions at both ends, defensive strength, and tactical adaptability. As transfer rumors swirl, Aina’s future remains a storyline worth watching.
If you’d like, I can provide a breakdown of his performances peak by peak, compare him to potential signings, or track transfer interest in real time.
Leave a Reply