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Ola Aina & The Smart Solution for Liverpool’s Right-Back Transition

As Liverpool enters a pivotal summer window, much of the attention will be on reshaping the defensive core — particularly at right-back. With Trent Alexander-Arnold widely expected to join Real Madrid at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, a new long-term plan is needed by the Reds Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, to supplement his head coach, Arne Slot. While Conor Bradley has emerged as a promising academy graduate, Liverpool may benefit from bridging the gap with a proven Premier League option, one that has been linked previously.

That’s where Ola Aina enters the conversation. The Nottingham Forest fullback, who has been arguably the most consistent right-back in the division this season, is out of contract this summer and would represent one of the smartest free transfer moves the club could make.

Ola Aina – Player Profile

Club – Nottingham Forest

Nationality: Nigeria (homegrown)

Age: 28 years old

Date of Birth: October 8, 1996

Position: Fullback (Right-Back / Left-Back)

Height: 1.84 m

Preferred Foot: Right

2024/25 Appearances: 28 (all competitions)

Contract Expiry: June 30, 2025

International Caps – 46 Appearances

Transfermarkt Value – €20m

Expected Fee – Free

A Ready-Made Senior Option

In an ideal scenario, Liverpool’s right-back structure for 2025/26 would include Conor Bradley continuing his development through managed minutes, while an experienced defender starts the majority of matches across four competitions. Ola Aina fits this profile perfectly — a seasoned Premier League campaigner with over 100 appearances in the division and a growing influence at Nottingham Forest. Within an outstanding season at the City Ground, the likes of Morgan Gibbs White, Murillo, and Aina, have been outstanding performers who may now look towards the next step in their careers. All of the above have been partially linked with a move to Anfield and it would not be a surprise if the latter became a serious option, one that would cost nothing apart from an immediate and handsome signing-on fee.

The output of the player paints the picture of a fullback who combines athleticism with positional intelligence. Defensively sharp and comfortable driving forward, Aina has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most reliable performers in his position and instead of trying to replicate the offensive output of a Trent Alexander Arnold, an increased level of power and assurance could be used that allows for a more explosive left back to be targeted on the other flank.

A Stopgap and Mentor for Bradley

What makes this a truly sensible move is what it means for Conor Bradley. Rather than forcing the 20-year-old into the fire as the full-time starter following Alexander-Arnold’s likely departure, Aina would give Liverpool breathing room whilst increasing the defensive stability. His arrival would allow Slot’s staff to monitor Bradley’s development in a lower-pressure environment while still retaining the attacking fluidity Liverpool thrives on from its fullbacks.

Much like what Liverpool has done with Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah — giving young talent minutes within a structured rotation — Aina’s presence would make that possible at right-back and allow a season to truly assess what is needed to replace an all-time great and world-class talent.

A Free Transfer with High Value

Liverpool, like every top club, must be savvy in the market — and free transfers are no longer just short-term fixes. Aina, at 28, is in his prime. His signing would not require a transfer fee and would meet both performance and homegrown registration criteria. He’s experienced, versatile, physically durable, and used to high-pressure situations.

With Manchester City and other top sides reportedly monitoring his situation, Liverpool would be wise to move quickly and could offer an immediate pathway into a team which by then will be the Premier League champions.

Why It Makes Perfect Sense

In a summer where money will be spent on a specialist defensive midfielder, a new left-back, a new striker, a wide forward and potentially a centre-back, the right-back slot could be solved without a major outlay. Ola Aina represents the type of smart, undervalued opportunity that top sides must capitalise on — a low-risk, high-reward signing who can contribute immediately.

The long-term plan might still revolve around Conor Bradley, but Aina gives Liverpool a crucial piece for the present. If the club is to move forward without Alexander-Arnold, this is the kind of deal that keeps them steady in the transition. The next right-back might already be proven in the Premier League. And crucially, he wouldn’t cost a penny.

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