Nottingham Forest fans have every reason to be buzzing about their club’s position in the Premier League, though not everyone seems to be caught up in the excitement.
Ola Aina has been a standout performer this season, bringing a solid presence in defence while offering a constant threat going forward.
It’s remarkable to think the Nigerian international arrived on a free transfer, especially now that heavyweight clubs like Juventus and AS Roma are circling, eager to lure him away from the City Ground.
With Aina’s stock rising, Forest are now gearing up to open contract negotiations to secure his future, alongside plans to extend the stay of Chris Wood, who has been in blistering form up front.
Despite Forest’s promising run, Nuno Espírito Santo appears determined to keep his players grounded, as shown by the message he delivered ahead of their recent clash with Leicester City.
Speaking on SuperSport TV after the Leicester encounter, Aina shed light on the manager’s approach: “The coach told us before the game, he’s not really looking at the table like that. He just wants us to…”
At that point, former Forest manager Martin O’Neill, also present in the broadcast, interjected with a laugh: “That’s a lie.” O’Neill went on to say, “I’ll tell you something now: when he gets off that bus tonight at the City Ground, he’ll be checking that table.”
Aina’s form this season continues to earn plaudits. Ian Wright, speaking on Match of the Day, hailed the full-back’s display against Liverpool at Anfield as “excellent.”
Alan Shearer was similarly impressed with Aina’s performance in Forest’s win over Leicester, further underlining the defender’s growing reputation.
It’s no surprise the interest from Italy is heating up ahead of the January transfer window, but Forest will be eager to tie Aina down to a new contract soon. Locking him in would be a major win, especially with speculation swirling around other key figures.
The priority for January will undoubtedly be keeping the squad intact, ensuring the likes of Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, and Murillo remain at the club.
With momentum on their side, Forest are building something special, and stability could be the key to sustaining their success deep into the season.
Whether Nuno and his men are paying attention to the league standings or not, one thing is certain: Forest are making a statement, and rivals across the Premier League are beginning to take notice.