Everton have ended their pursuit of Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina. The Toffees decided against a late move for the 29-year-old full-back.
The collapse came after Everton pulled the plug on a separate transfer that would have sent teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong to the City Ground. Those two deals had been linked, with the clubs discussing a potential swap arrangement. With Armstrong staying put, the path for Aina to move to Goodison Park closed.
Football Insider states that Everton's change of heart on Armstrong's transfer was the direct cause. An agreement had reportedly been reached for the academy graduate to join Nottingham Forest. But fan reaction following Everton's draw with Bournemouth prompted the club to reconsider letting the promising English midfielder leave. That decision effectively ended the parallel negotiations for Aina.
David Moyes's side had been exploring a deal for the Nigerian defender to address a shortage at right-back following Seamus Coleman's retirement. Aina would have brought Premier League experience and versatility, having made 88 appearances for Forest since joining in 2023. His current campaign has started positively, and he remains a key part of Steve Cooper's defensive plans.
Everton must now continue their hunt for a specialist right-back with minimal time remaining in the transfer window. Moyes explored alternatives throughout the summer. Last season, natural centre-back Jake O'Brien was frequently used in the position, while Merlin Rohl has started this campaign as a makeshift option.
Kenny Tete and Alistair Johnston are among the other players previously linked with a move to Merseyside. It remains uncertain whether the club can secure an agreement for either before the deadline. This leaves a clear gap in their defensive roster as they prepare for their upcoming matches schedule.
Ola Aina has established himself as a reliable Premier League full-back for Nottingham Forest. His 2025/26 season was disrupted by a hamstring injury, limiting him to 28 appearances, but he has contributed to six goals during his 88-game spell at the club.
His retention is a positive for Forest's defensive stability. The team currently sits mid-table, and maintaining experienced players like Aina is important for consistency. His contract situation and performance data are available in our stats section. Forest's defensive record will be tested in their next match, a home fixture against Aston Villa on September 14th.
With Aina staying, Steve Cooper has several players who can operate at right-back or wing-back. This provides tactical flexibility for the manager. The squad depth in defence allows Forest to cope with injuries and fixture congestion.
A look at the current squad shows a blend of youth and experience across the back line. This depth is important for handling a long Premier League season and competing in domestic cups. The club's focus now shifts fully to on-pitch matters, with Aina set to be available for selection this weekend. Ola Aina's current deal with Nottingham Forest runs until the summer of 2027.
