Super Eagles star returns to parent club, but future remains uncertain

Despite impressing in the Premier League during the last campaign, one of Nigeria’s defenders is not sure where he will be playing club football next term

Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina has returned to Torino after Fulham decided against making his loan spell permanent.

Torino paid almost ten million euros to take the Nigerian international to Italy in 2019, after arriving from Chelsea on a temporary deal a year earlier.

But after an unconvincing campaign in Serie A, the Italian side allowed the defender to join Fulham last September.

The English side secured the signature of the 24-year-old on loan with an upfront payment of €2.5 million and an option to buy him permanently.

But despite scoring two goals – including a club goal of the season winner – and supplying another assist in 31 league matches, Aina could not rescue Fulham from being relegated from the Premier League.

The Cottagers’ demotion has resulted in Aina returning to his parent club to face an uncertain future.

Torino barely escaped relegation from the Serie A last season, and head coach Ivan Juric could look to incorporate the Nigerian star back in the squad to boost his defensive options for next season.

The Turin-based side is reportedly willing to negotiate with any suitor willing to offer an acceptable bid for Aina.

The Chelsea academy product has a contract with Torino until the summer of 2023.