Ola Aina joins from Torino
On this day in Nottingham Forest history in 2023 Forest sign Ola Aina on a free transfer.
Ola Aina became Nottingham Forest’s first senior signing of the 2023 summer window.
The Nigeria international arrived on a free transfer from Torino, bringing Serie A experience and versatility to Steve Cooper’s squad. After the intensity of the previous season’s survival fight, Forest needed players who could add depth without disrupting the group too heavily.
Aina’s ability to play in different defensive and wing-back roles made the signing feel practical, but he went on to become more than a useful squad option. He established himself as a regular Premier League player, contributed important goals, and became part of the side that qualified for Europe in 2024-25.
His progress was underlined in July 2025, when Forest rewarded him with a new deal running until the summer of 2028. What began as a sensible free transfer from Torino turned into one of the club’s more effective pieces of Premier League recruitment.
Sources
Nottingham Forest official site; Premier League; Reuters
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