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Report: Liverpool Identify New Right-Back Target Amid Transfer Uncertainty
Liverpool Eye Ola Aina as Potential Successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans may take a dramatic turn as uncertainty looms over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. According to TBR Football, Real Madrid are making a strong push to lure the 26-year-old to the Bernabéu on a free transfer next summer, and Liverpool have yet to secure a contract extension. With the possibility of losing their star right-back, the club is reportedly exploring alternative options—and a surprise name has emerged: Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.
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Photo by IMAGO
Aina’s Rise at Nottingham Forest
Aina, 28, has been one of Nottingham Forest’s standout performers this season, playing a key role under Nuno Espírito Santo. A 40-cap Nigerian international, he has cemented himself as a reliable Premier League right-back, making 28 appearances, scoring twice, and registering an assist. His versatility, defensive solidity, and experience make him a compelling option for top clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
Having previously played for Chelsea, Torino, Hull City, and Fulham, Aina has built a solid reputation in both England and Italy. He initially joined Forest on a free transfer in 2023 after his contract with Torino expired, and his current deal runs until the summer of 2025. However, TBR Football notes that Forest have an option to extend it by a further year, which could complicate any potential transfer.
Having previously played for Chelsea, Torino, Hull City, and Fulham, Aina has built a solid reputation in both England and Italy. He initially joined Forest on a free transfer in 2023 after his contract with Torino expired, and his current deal runs until the summer of 2025. However, TBR Football notes that Forest have an option to extend it by a further year, which could complicate any potential transfer.
Liverpool’s Right-Back Conundrum
Liverpool’s search for reinforcements at right-back is understandable. While Conor Bradley has impressed as Alexander-Arnold’s understudy, relying solely on the 20-year-old would be a significant gamble, especially with the demands of Premier League and European competition.
Aina’s experience and ability to play in multiple defensive roles could provide Liverpool with the depth they need. TBR Football reports, “TBR Football has now been informed that the Nottingham Forest No.34 could replace either Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold, if the latter does leave Anfield for Real Madrid.”
With Manchester City also monitoring Aina as a potential successor to Kyle Walker, Liverpool may face competition if they choose to pursue the Nigerian international. Forest are reportedly keen to extend his contract to prevent losing him to a top Premier League rival, but if negotiations stall, a move could be on the cards.
Aina’s experience and ability to play in multiple defensive roles could provide Liverpool with the depth they need. TBR Football reports, “TBR Football has now been informed that the Nottingham Forest No.34 could replace either Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold, if the latter does leave Anfield for Real Madrid.”
With Manchester City also monitoring Aina as a potential successor to Kyle Walker, Liverpool may face competition if they choose to pursue the Nigerian international. Forest are reportedly keen to extend his contract to prevent losing him to a top Premier League rival, but if negotiations stall, a move could be on the cards.
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Aina’s Suitability for Liverpool
Aina’s playing style could fit well into Arne Slot’s system. Unlike Alexander-Arnold, who thrives in an inverted role, Aina is more of a traditional full-back, prioritising defensive stability and tactical discipline. While he lacks the elite playmaking ability of the Liverpool vice-captain, he offers pace, strength, and positional awareness—qualities that could make him a useful addition, particularly in matches where defensive solidity is required.
Additionally, his Premier League experience would allow him to slot in seamlessly without the adaptation period often needed for overseas signings. Whether Liverpool see him as a long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold or simply as added squad depth remains to be seen.
Additionally, his Premier League experience would allow him to slot in seamlessly without the adaptation period often needed for overseas signings. Whether Liverpool see him as a long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold or simply as added squad depth remains to be seen.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
The idea of losing Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is unsettling. The academy graduate has been one of the club’s most influential players in recent years, and his ability to dictate play from deep is unmatched. If he does depart, replacing him with a different profile of right-back—such as Aina—would mark a tactical shift for Liverpool.
Aina is a solid defender with the ability to contribute going forward, but he is not the creative force that Alexander-Arnold is. While he would provide depth, he would not be a like-for-like replacement, meaning Liverpool may need to adjust their approach to accommodate a more conventional full-back.
Ultimately, securing Alexander-Arnold’s future should be Liverpool’s priority. However, if a deal cannot be agreed upon, Aina could be a pragmatic, cost-effective alternative. Whether he would be enough to fill the void left by one of Liverpool’s most influential players, though, remains a significant question.
Aina is a solid defender with the ability to contribute going forward, but he is not the creative force that Alexander-Arnold is. While he would provide depth, he would not be a like-for-like replacement, meaning Liverpool may need to adjust their approach to accommodate a more conventional full-back.
Ultimately, securing Alexander-Arnold’s future should be Liverpool’s priority. However, if a deal cannot be agreed upon, Aina could be a pragmatic, cost-effective alternative. Whether he would be enough to fill the void left by one of Liverpool’s most influential players, though, remains a significant question.
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