As Liverpool prepare for what could be a transformative summer transfer window, the club’s recruitment team is already lining up contingency plans — and one name gaining traction is Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina.
The upcoming window promises to be one of upheaval at Anfield. Several first-team players are expected to depart, but no potential exit looms larger than that of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international is attracting serious attention from Real Madrid, and sources indicate he could be on the move, leaving a significant void in Liverpool’s defensive and creative structure.
Liverpool’s recruitment department has already turned its attention to finding a suitable replacement should Alexander-Arnold depart. According to sources via Caught Offside, Ola Aina has been identified as a serious target.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international has enjoyed a standout season with Nottingham Forest, making 32 appearances and emerging as one of the Premier League’s most reliable right-backs. His blend of pace, composure, and tactical intelligence makes him a natural fit for a high-pressing, possession-based side.
Aina’s versatility — equally capable of operating as a traditional right-back or in an inverted role — aligns well with Slot’s tactical fluidity, further elevating his appeal.
Liverpool are not alone in their admiration for Aina. Chelsea, where he began his professional career, are exploring the possibility of a reunion. The Blues, along with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, have expressed interest in securing the defender’s signature this summer.
Chelsea’s pursuit carries a sentimental angle — Aina was developed in the club’s youth academy and made senior appearances before moving abroad. A return to Stamford Bridge would represent a full-circle moment in his career.
Newcastle and Spurs are also monitoring the situation closely, and are expected to initiate contact with Aina’s representatives in the coming weeks as they look to bolster their squads.
Nottingham Forest remain determined to keep hold of their defensive talisman. The club are in active negotiations to offer Aina a new long-term contract. However, with his current deal set to expire this summer, Forest face an uphill struggle to retain the player.
Given the volume of interest, Aina may feel the time is right to return to a club competing in European competitions. His future could hinge on how compelling Forest’s vision for the coming seasons proves to be.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also monitoring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as an alternative option at right-back. But the Premier League-proven pedigree of Aina may give him the edge as Liverpool consider their next move in what is shaping up to be a critical summer.
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