Ifeanyi Udeze, a former Nigeria Super Eagles left-back star has backed his fellow national team player, Olaoluwa ‘Ola’ Aina of Nottingham Forest to seize the opportunity to join Manchester City if the Premier League champions come calling this summer.
Reports suggest that Manchester City, who loaned Kyle Walker to AC Milan in January are monitoring Aina, a promising Nigerian full-back as a potential replacement for the English international; despite talks of a potential contract renewal speculation continues swirling around his future at Forest.
Aina, 28, who started his football career at Cobham Academy, has been a distinctive performer for Nottingham Forest since joining on a free transfer from Torino in 2023.
The British-Nigerian-born Aina, who has also played for Fulham, Hull City, and Chelsea in different seasons of his football career has his contract with Forest set to expire at the end of the season, though the club reportedly has the option to trigger a one-year extension.
In the face of the recent development, Udeze believes Aina should move on from Forest if a top club such as Manchester City makes an offer.
“I expect him to leave Nottingham Forest at the end of the season,” Udeze told Brila FM in a live programme.
“If I’m Aina and a club like Manchester City come for me, I will leave,” he said.
Meanwhile, “Man wey Sabi” as Udeze is fondly called by his fans, applauded Aina for his outstanding display on Nottingham Forest’s jersey, describing him as a 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 stated.
Many football analysts believe that Aina’s performances have been instrumental for Forest, who are enjoying a strong campaign and remain in contention for a top-four finish.
Aina, known for his defensive solidity and attacking contributions, has scored twice and registered one assist in 25 league appearances in the ongoing 2024/2025 season.
Aina, who was born in Southwark, South London, and his parents from Ijebu Ikenne in Ogun State of Nigeria has a total of 81 Premier League appearances which spells across Chelsea, Hull City, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest.
The defender’s resourcefulness, and work rate, among others, have made him a crucial 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.
Should Aina join Manchester City at the end of the season, he would join the league of Nigerian players such as Nedu Onuoha, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Dickson Etuhu, Kelvin Etuhu, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Olarenwaju Kayode, who have played for Manchester City.
