Former West Bromwich Albion defender Ifeanyi Udeze has advised Super Eagles star Ola Aina to seize the opportunity to join Manchester City if the Premier League champions come calling this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Aina, 28, has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest since joining on a free transfer from Torino in July 2023.
His contract, which initially ran for a year before it was extended, is set to expire at the end of the season, though Forest reportedly have the option to trigger a one-year extension.
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Despite talks of a potential renewal, speculation continues to swirl around Aina’s future. Reports suggest that Manchester City, who loaned Kyle Walker to AC Milan in January, could be monitoring the Nigerian full-back as a potential replacement.
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Former PAOK and AEK Athens star Udeze, however, believes Aina should move on from Forest if an elite club like City makes an offer.
“I expect him to leave Nottingham Forest at the end of the season,” Udeze told Brila FM, as per Complete Sports.
“If I’m Aina and a club like Manchester City come for me, I will leave.”
Super Eagles man Aina among the Premier League's best?
Udeze, 44, did not stop at urging Aina to consider a switch; the former Super Eagles left-back also showered the Forest man with high praise, claiming he has been the standout player in his position in the Premier League this season.
“For me, I believe Ola Aina is the best right-back in the Premier League this season,” Udeze added.
Aina’s performances have been instrumental for Forest, who are enjoying a strong campaign and remain in contention for a top-four finish. Known for his defensive solidity and attacking contributions, Aina has scored twice and registered one assist in 25 league appearances so far.
A product of Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy, Aina has amassed 81 Premier League appearances across spells with Chelsea, Hull City, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest.
His versatility, work rate, and tactical intelligence have made him a key player for both club and country, and with interest from bigger clubs looming, his future remains one to watch as the summer transfer window approaches.
