Ola Aina reacts as Nottingham Forest release ‘final farewell’ message
Ola Aina has responded to his teammate’s final goodbye to the Nottingham Forest supporters at the City Ground this summer.
The 28-year-old has become an integral part of Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side since arriving from Torino two summers ago, gaining plenty of interest from fellow Premier League clubs.
Mick Brown told Football Insider in January that Forest were edging closer to striking a new deal with Aina, with the club set to trigger the one-year extension in his current contract.
With two goals and an assist in 2024/25, he helped to deliver European football back to the City Ground, but after missing out on a spot in the Champions League, supporters were ultimately left disappointed.
Despite losing to Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season, the players were proud of their achievements, but one player is already set to leave the City Ground this summer.
Harry Toffolo waves goodbye to Nottingham Forest
Taking to Instagram (17 June), the official club account posted Toffolo’s final message, which said: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Forest fans all over the world and within the city.
“You’re an incredible bunch. It’s been an absolute honour to wear the shirt, and I’ve worn it with a lot of pride. I’ve been able to help the community and city off the pitch, and while you all keep saying how much I’ve done, you don’t know the impact you’ve had on my life as well.
“I’ll never forget that. Enjoy travelling Europe again! Toff,” gaining a like from Aina.
Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for 2025/26 campaign at the City Ground
Football Insider verdict
Despite an overall disappointment within the fanbase at the City Ground, Espirito Santo looks to have achieved the near-impossible during his first full season at Forest.
Mick Brown told Football Insider in March that Forest were “everything they can” to tie Espirito Santo down to a new deal, though rumours of a potential exit have sparked this summer.
This came after the manager’s clash with Evangelos Marinakis on the pitch following a frustrating 2-2 draw with Leicester City, completely throwing the club’s race for Champions League qualification.
It would be a massive shame for the Reds to lose their manager while rumours circulate around their best players, with Football Insider understanding last month that Arsenal had joined the race for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Man City had been heavily linked with the England international, but after signing Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, a big-money move for another playmaker seems unlikely for the Citizens.
It is vital that, if Forest replicate their 2024/25 season next term, the Reds must keep hold of their most valuable assets over the coming weeks and only sell if absolutely necessary.