Nottingham Forest: Aina vs Dodo – 2 reasons Glasner wants Fiorentina full-back

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Fiorentina defender Dodô has raised fresh questions about Ola Aina’s long-term future at the City Ground, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles defender has been one of Forest’s most consistent performers since arriving from Torino in 2023, but the arrival of Oliver Glasner could alter the tactical landscape significantly.

As per Football Insider, Forest have already been linked with several right-sided defenders this summer, including Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read and now Fiorentina’s Dodô.

Given that Forest are not involved in European competition next season, the pursuit of another specialist right wing-back appears to be more than simple squad depth.

Instead, it may point towards Glasner’s desire to reshape the team to a style that suits his philosophy.

Nottingham Forest: Why Glasner wants Dodô

1. Dodô perfectly fits Glasner’s wing-back system

One of the defining features of Glasner’s managerial career has been his reliance on attacking wing-backs.

At Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace, the Austrian preferred a back-three system where the wing-backs played an essential role in chance creation and progression.

While Aina has proven himself to be an outstanding defender, his strengths are arguably more balanced than outright attacking. Dodô, meanwhile, is a natural wing-back.

Last season, the Brazilian created 51 chances in Serie A compared to Aina’s nine in the Premier League. He also registered a superior dribble success rate and contributed more directly in attacking phases.

These numbers immediately stand out when analysing the profile Glasner typically demands from his wing-backs.

The Austrian wants his wing-backs to function almost as auxiliary wingers during possession phases, stretching opponents and delivering consistent attacking output.

Dodô appears tailor-made for such a role. At Fiorentina, he has demonstrated his ability to progress the ball, overlap relentlessly and maintain a high volume of crosses throughout matches.

For a coach attempting to implement an aggressive, possession-based wing-back system, that profile is very attractive.

2. Forest may have concerns over Aina’s recent injury problems

Another factor could be Aina’s fitness record last season. The Nigerian international endured one of the most injury-disrupted campaigns of his career, missing around four months due to a serious hamstring issue and eventually making just 18 Premier League appearances.

Before last season, Aina had built a reputation as one of Forest’s most reliable players, but injuries inevitably raise concerns, especially for a manager whose system heavily depends on physically demanding wing-backs.

Glasner’s tactical setup requires constant up-and-down movement, intense pressing and exceptional physical output.

Any durability concerns could encourage Forest to seek a player with a stronger recent availability record.

Dodô played 36 Serie A matches last season and accumulated more than 1,500 additional minutes compared to Aina. That level of availability may be particularly appealing to a manager preparing for his first full season in charge.

Should Ola Aina be worried?

Despite Forest’s interest in Dodô, Aina still possesses several advantages. Defensively, the Super Eagles star remains superior in several key metrics, including tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks.

His versatility is another major asset. Unlike Dodô, Aina is capable of operating on either flank and has previously featured as a conventional full-back, wing-back and even as part of a back three.

That tactical flexibility could still make him a valuable option under Glasner.

However, Forest’s pursuit of specialist wing-backs suggests competition for places is about to intensify.

Should Dodô eventually arrive, Aina may no longer enjoy the guaranteed starting status he previously held under several managers.

For the Nigerian, the coming months could become one of the biggest tests of his Forest career.

With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 World Cup qualifiers approaching, regular football will remain essential if he hopes to retain his place within Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

Ultimately, Forest’s interest in Dodô may not necessarily signal the end for Aina, but it certainly indicates that Glasner is seeking profiles better suited to his preferred tactical system.