“He will be first choice” – Ex-Super Eagles player speaks on Ola Aina to Man City transfer links

Former Super Eagles defender Efe Sodje has voiced his support for his countryman Ola Aina’s potential move to Manchester City, Soccernet.ng reports.

It is no longer news that the former Chelsea defender has piqued the interest of several European teams following his recent impact in Nottingham Forest’s 2024-25 English Premier League campaign.

Speaking via Brilla Media, the former Luton Town defender revealed that the Nigerian international would be a first-choice player if the transfer materialises.

Sodje on Aina’s Fit at Manchester City

Speaking on the speculations linking Aina to the reigning Premier League champions, Sodje expressed confidence in the full-back’s ability to thrive under Pep Guardiola.

“What City are doing now, they’re rebuilding. If they come for him, he’ll be first choice. Let him go,” Sodje said.

Nottingham Forest Matz Sels, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest celebrate victory during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City[Photo credit/Imago]

Why Guardiola Wants Ola Aina

Manchester City’s recent struggles in the 2024-25 season, which have seen them lose nine and draw five times so far in the Premier League.

This has reportedly prompted Guardiola to prioritize refreshing his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The City Ground, Nottingham, England Premier League Football, Nottingham Forest versus Liverpool Cody Gakpo of Liverpool competes for the ball with Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest [Photo credit/Ola Aina]

Aina’s defensive solidity and ability to contribute in attack, has made him an attractive option for City. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that Forest are reportedly looking to keep him for another year.

Forest’s Plan to Keep Aina

Despite growing interest from City, Nottingham Forest are eager to extend Aina’s stay at the City Ground. The club is working behind the scenes to negotiate a new contract before the end of the season.

While Aina has expressed his satisfaction at Forest, reports from Talk Forest TV indicate that discussions over a new deal have already begun, with the club keen to finalise an agreement soon.

Osayi-Samuel Lined Up as Potential Replacement

Amid uncertainty over Aina’s future, Soccernet.ng earlier reported that Nottingham Forest have reportedly secured a pre-contract agreement with Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Bright Osayi-Samuel during the Men’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Rwanda [Photo credit/Imago]

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the 27-year-old Nigerian full-back is set to leave Fenerbahce as his contract nears expiration, with no renewal on the table.

With Osayi-Samuel’s potential return to England, it is unknown if Aina will extend his stay at the City Ground or pursue a switch to Manchester City in the upcoming summer transfer window.