Liverpool eye Super Eagles star trained at Chelsea as replacement for Real Madrid-bound ace

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Super Eagles defender Ola Aina as uncertainty continues to surround the future of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to reports from CaughtOffside, the Reds are closely monitoring the Nottingham Forest full-back, who has impressed in the Premier League this season and could be available on a free transfer this summer.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Anfield expires at the end if this campaign, and with growing speculation linking the England international with Real Madrid, Liverpool are exploring potential replacements in the market. Aina, who has enjoyed a standout campaign for Forest, has emerged as a serious option.

Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi have been nominated for the #FC25 Premier League Team of the Season

Vote here https://t.co/M7PMcmxOHd pic.twitter.com/AA98OZhoMy

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) April 16, 2025

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The 28-year-old is also attracting strong interest from Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, as per the reports.

Chelsea are particularly keen on a reunion with their former academy graduate, who came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge before moving on to Torino and later Nottingham Forest.

Forest are keen to retain Aina and are currently in discussions over a new long-term deal. However, with just two months remaining on his current contract, the club face a race against time to tie him down amid growing competition for his signature.

Aina’s versatility and tactical intelligence would make him a valuable asset for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who favours flexible systems. The full-back is capable of operating as a traditional right-back or adopting an inverted role — an attribute that aligns with modern tactical demands.

Statistically, Aina ranks among the top 11% of right-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for successful dribbles (1.2 per 90 minutes).

Ola Aina has won the ball back in his own defensive third more than any other player in the Top 5 leagues

He has 105 recoveries, THIRTEEN more than the next best pic.twitter.com/HpElMG1t4I

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 10, 2025

While he does not match Alexander-Arnold’s creative output — scoring eight goals and providing 13 assists in over 250 senior appearances — he offers Premier League experience, defensive consistency, and lower wage demands.

Currently earning around £40,000 a week at the City Ground, Aina would command a modest pay rise at Anfield — still significantly less than the reported £180,000-a-week salary of Alexander-Arnold.

This season, Aina has featured in 30 Premier League matches for Nottingham Forest, scoring twice and providing one assist.