Nottingham Forest set to upset Premier League rivals as double agreement nears at the City Ground
Nottingham Forest are already the envy of plenty of Premier League clubs this season, but Evangelos Marinakis’ next move will certainly annoy their rivals.
Forest have surpassed all expectations to find themselves in the front seat of the Champions League qualification race, aided by the Premier League earning a fifth Champions League spot.
With so much talent aiding Nuno Espirito Santo’s continental push, the Forest squad has come under interest from those within the Premier League looking to earn back the league position that the Reds have claimed.
Perhaps the chief example of this has been Murillo, whose eye-catching displays have made him of keen interest to the Champions League regulars. Liverpool were interested in Murillo in January before the Brazilian signed a new contract at the City Ground, meaning that Forest would demand a world-record fee to part with Murillo.
The new contract certainly gives the Reds a level of strength in any negotiations, though, making the move to secure two more of the Forest manager’s stars of vital importance
Ola Aina closing in on new Nottingham Forest contract
The first to receive a new contract looks to be Ola Aina, which is particularly important given his current deal was set to run out in the summer. Aina has always hoped to stay at Forest and according to reports in Business Day in Nigeria, he is set to do just that.
The report said: “The former Torino full-back [Aina] is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Nottingham Forest for a contract extension beyond June 2025.
“The 28-year-old defender has become a crucial part of Forest’s backline since joining the club in 2023, and both parties are reportedly keen to continue the partnership.”
With both parties in agreement, Forest can finally relax about the Nigerian’s future, something that has been of keen interest to other Premier League clubs.
Manchester City have been interested in Aina throughout his contract saga so to secure his place in the squad will be of great relief to Espirito Santo, but he isn’t the only star set for a longer stay at Forest.
Neco Williams to follow Ola Aina to a fresh Nottingham Forest deal
It was said that Aston Villa moved to sign Neco Williams in 2024 but the deal never came to fruition, giving the Welshman the chance to truly flourish at left-back for Forest.
So much so that Forest intended to sign Williams to a new contract, which looks set to be realised alongside his fullback on the opposite side
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Transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, said: “Nottingham Forest are working on extending Neco Williams’ contract, which expires in June 2026. The player has many admirers, but Forest are looking to stop any other interest with a new deal for the player who’s had an impressive season.”
Less urgent than Aina due to having a year longer left on his contract, tying both fullbacks down to new contracts shows excellent ambition on the part of the Forest owner.
It also highlights a brilliant show of faith in what the Forest coaching staff have created, choosing to show loyalty to the likes of Williams, who have steered the Champions League push, so that they can showcase their talents to the rest of European football.
