Liverpool could replace outgoing star with Forest defender this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina Amid Right-Back Uncertainty

As Liverpool prepare for life under Arne Slot, the Merseyside club appears to be laying the groundwork for what could be a transformative summer window. According to Caught Offside, one of the names on their radar is Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina — a Premier League regular attracting significant attention across the top six.

Slot’s strategic rebuild underway

Arne Slot has inherited a Liverpool squad rich in talent but increasingly in transition. While key figures like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have committed their futures, the lingering uncertainty around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s position at the club is creating a ripple effect in recruitment strategy.

Should Alexander-Arnold’s mooted move to Real Madrid materialise, Liverpool will be compelled to act swiftly and decisively in the market. And it seems they have a potential successor in mind.

Photo: IMAGO

Caught Offside report that Liverpool are now monitoring 27-year-old Ola Aina, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian international has made 32 appearances this season, offering a blend of defensive solidity and attacking drive.

A source cited in the report praises Aina’s “pace, composure, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.” This well-rounded profile is exactly what Slot values in wide defenders.

Strong competition for Aina

Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit. Chelsea — Aina’s former club — along with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are also said to be tracking his progress.

“Chelsea, where Aina began his professional career, are keen on a reunion,” the report notes, indicating that any deal will require strong negotiation and a clear role for the player.

Despite Chelsea’s romantic appeal and Spurs’ European ambitions, Liverpool can offer something unique: the opportunity to replace one of the club’s most iconic figures and shape the next generation of Anfield leadership.

Photo IMAGO

While much depends on Trent’s decision, Aina’s Premier League experience and tactical versatility make him a logical target for a Liverpool side looking to modernise its defensive options without losing structural balance.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The idea of replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold with Ola Aina feels like a downgrade, not just in quality, but in ambition. Aina is a solid player — quick, reliable, experienced — but can he replicate the game-changing impact Trent has from that right-back slot?

Let’s be honest: replacing a generational talent with a player who struggled to break into the Chelsea first team and only recently found consistent form at a struggling Forest side raises serious questions. This isn’t about disrespecting Aina — it’s about expectations. Slot’s supposed to usher in a new era, not cut corners.

If Trent does go, fans will want more than just a dependable full-back. They’ll want someone who can dominate matches, influence attacking phases, and grow into the leadership void left behind. Is Aina that player? Probably not.

And given the clubs circling — Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle — it feels like Liverpool are being reactive rather than proactive. If Trent stays, no problem. But if he leaves, many supporters will expect a more marquee name — someone who signals ambition, not just stability.