Aina: Manchester City look to Super Eagles defender to replace ageing England star

Published on by Andrew Randa

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has caught the eye of Manchester City, who are reportedly considering the Super Eagles defender as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker.

Aina has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest this season, playing a key role in their impressive campaign so far.

Ola Aina is attracting interest from Manchester City
Photo by IMAGO

The 28-year-old joined Forest last season after leaving Italian side Torino. However, Forest are eager to extend his stay, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

While Aina has expressed his desire to remain in England, an offer from Manchester City could be too tempting to resist.

Despite being a fan favourite at Forest, the allure of playing for a club of City's stature might sway his decision.

Kyle Walker, a mainstay in City's defence for several years, is now 34 and may not be offered a new contract as the club looks to refresh its squad.

What will Ola Aina bring to Manchester City?

This season, the Nigerian defender has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest and the Premier League as a who.

He has started all 18 games for Forest and scored two goals from his right-back position, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

Aina's tackling has been exceptional, winning 25 out of 36 duels—a statistic that will bolster a City side currently struggling defensively.

Technically adept, Aina fits seamlessly into City's passing-focused system.

He has completed 580 passes this season, further highlighting his composure and vision on the ball.

Aina: Manchester City look to Nigerian to replace ageing England star
Photo by Icon Sport

His versatility is another significant asset.

Aina's ability to play on either flank aligns perfectly with Pep Guardiola's preference for adaptable players who can thrive in various formations.

Additionally, his pace and technical skills down the flanks make him a natural fit for City's dynamic style of play, offering another dimension to their attacking threats.

Manchester City have been below their usual standards this season, and a squad overhaul seems imminent.

Despite links to Galatasaray in Turkey, it is likely Aina will stay in England.

If Pep Guardiola remains at the helm, the Nigerian could very well be among the new faces at the Etihad Stadium.

Aina: Manchester City look to Super Eagles defender to replace ageing England star

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)