Done Deal: Fulham sign Nigeria's Aina

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Sep 12, 2020. 14:00

Nigeria international Ola Aina has joined English side Fulham on a season-long loan from Italian club Torino.

The Premier League revealed that they also hold an option to make the deal to sign the 23-year-old defender permanent.

Born and bred in England’s capital city London, Aina is familiar with the Premier League having turned out for Chelsea in the competition after being nurtured in the club’s academy.

“I feel very excited and privileged to be able to play for a club like this,” Aina told the club’s official website.

“It feels amazing to be back closer to my family, back in the capital where I was born and raised. There’s a great bunch of lads here. I’m really good friends with Big Hec and Josh Onomah.

“I feel very comfortable on either foot, I can fill in wherever needs be. I’d say I’m pretty quick and I like to attack, but I also like to help the team and do the dirty work as much as I can.”

Fulham director of football Tony Khan explained why the London-based club signed Aina following the team’s promotion from the English Championship to the Premier League.

“I’m pleased to announce the arrival of Ola Aina to Fulham on loan from Torino. Ola is an exciting young player who can further strengthen our squad this season in the Premier League,” Khan said.

“In our loan agreement, we’ve secured an option for a permanent transfer for Ola to potentially remain at Fulham if this season proves to be a good fit for us, which is a great situation for the Club given our belief in Ola’s talent and in his potential. Come on Fulham.”

Aina, who is a former England youth international, has played 17 matches for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.