"He needs a back-up" - Nuno Santos on Ola Aina
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has urged the club’s hierarchy to prioritize signing a reliable backup for Ola Aina before the transfer window closes, stressing the need to manage the Nigerian defender’s workload and avoid potential burnout, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Since joining from Torino, Aina has become an integral figure in the Reds’ setup, but a calf injury last season left the squad exposed and ultimately hampered their push for European qualification, as no suitable replacement could step into his role.
Determined to prevent a repeat, Santo is pushing for reinforcements. Although Forest had shown interest in Samuel Osayi earlier in the summer, the defender chose a move to Birmingham instead, forcing the club to reassess their options in order to provide cover and ensure Aina gets adequate rest over the course of the campaign.
“First of all, let's try to complete our squad. This is really important in the final days of this transfer market, and we still have the chance to win,” tSantos stated on Sunday after his side's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
“I would say we need three players – one goalkeeper more, and two full-backs, because you cannot live with the fear and uncertainty if something happens to Ola (Aina) and Neco (Williams).
“After these situations, what is important is Forest, not individual persons. We must have that conversation, and we will have it," he added.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
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