What Nottingham Forest Stand to Gain From a Potential Ola Aina Mega-Transfer to Al Ahli
Ola Aina has become an important figure at Nottingham Forest since arriving at the club on a free transfer in 2023. Now, reports of potential interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli raise an interesting question: what could Forest gain if a major transfer were to materialise?
At present, there is no reliable confirmation of an agreed transfer or an official fee between Al Ahli and Nottingham Forest. Aina remains listed as a Nottingham Forest player, with his contract reported to run until June 2028. �
PSRwatch +1
Nevertheless, a substantial Saudi offer could present Forest with several financial and sporting considerations.
A Significant Financial Opportunity
The most obvious benefit would be the transfer income. Aina joined Forest for nothing, meaning that any sizeable transfer fee received for him would represent an important financial return on an acquisition that initially cost the club no transfer fee. Soccerbase records his 2023 move from Torino to Forest as a free transfer. �
Soccerbase
An independent PSRwatch model currently values Aina at approximately £15 million, although this is not an official valuation or a reported Saudi offer. The same analysis estimates that selling him around that figure could remove approximately £3 million in annual wage costs from Forest’s squad-cost calculations. �
PSRwatch
A larger Saudi bid could therefore give Forest additional resources to reinvest elsewhere in the squad.
Room for Squad Restructuring
Aina’s departure would also create a place in the squad for another full-back. Forest have already been linked with strengthening at right-back, including interest in Feyenoord’s Givairo Read earlier in the summer. �
Pulse Sports Nigeria
That means a hypothetical Aina sale could potentially fit into a broader squad-building strategy. Rather than simply losing an experienced defender, Forest could use the proceeds to recruit a younger player or strengthen another position.
Losing Valuable Versatility
However, there would also be a sporting cost. Aina’s value to Forest is not limited to one position. He has been used across the defensive line and in different systems, while his pace and ability to defend one-on-one have made him particularly useful. �
Nottingham Forest
His importance is also reflected in his involvement during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign. FBref records appearances against Leeds United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, including a full 90 minutes against Villa. �
FBref
Replacing that versatility would therefore be an important consideration.
Al Ahli’s Ambitions
Al Ahli have established themselves as one of the major clubs in Saudi football. They are the reigning Asian Champions League Elite holders and have undergone significant squad changes heading into the new campaign. �
Reuters
Aina’s experience in the Premier League and international football could make him an attractive option for a club operating at that level.
Ultimately, a potential Al Ahli approach would give Nottingham Forest a financial decision rather than a straightforward one. The club could potentially gain a sizeable transfer fee, reduce future wage commitments and create funds for recruitment. At the same time, Forest would need to replace a versatile defender who has already demonstrated his usefulness under different tactical systems.
With Aina still contracted to Forest, the key factor would be the size and structure of any eventual offer. Until an official bid or agreement is confirmed, the Saudi transfer remains a potential scenario rather than a completed deal.
