 |
Wing-back
Ola Aina |
| Position |
Wing-back |
| P.O.B. |
Southwark,
London |
| D.O.B |
08:10:96 |
| Height |
6' 00 |
| Last Club |
Torino FC |
|
His Wiki page |
Fulham have confirmed the signing of Ola Aina on a season-long loan from Torino.
The Cottagers have the option to make Aina's loan at Craven Cottage permanent for around £11m.
Former England youth international Aina is a graduate of Chelsea's academy and spent over a decade at the club.
He spent the 2017-18 campaign away on loan at Hull before making a season-long loan move to Italian club Torino the following year.
The Serie A side took up the option to make Aina's move from Chelsea permanent in June 2019. The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Torino last season.
Fulham FC statement
The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Ola Aina on a season-long loan from Torino.
Fulham also holds an option to make the deal to sign the 23-year-old permanent.
After finalising his move, Aina told FFCtv: “I feel very excited and privileged to be able to play for a Club like this.
“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.”
Tony Khan added: “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.
“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!”
Born in London but now a full Nigeria international, Aina has primarily operated at right-back throughout his career, but his versatility means he can also fill in capably across the defence or further forward.
Aina joined Chelsea at a young age and successfully rose through the age groups, winning two FA Youth Cups – including the 2014 Final against Fulham – and two UEFA Youth League titles.
2016/17 was his breakthrough season as he made six appearances for the first team, including three outings in the Premier League en route to the Blues winning the title.
Aina furthered his development in the Championship the following season, playing in 44 of Hull City’s 46 matches.
Another loan spell followed in 2018/19, this time in Italy with Torino. Aina made 30 Serie A appearances in what was a fine season for Il Toro, whose seventh place finish secured a Europa League qualifying spot.
Torino held an option to make the transfer permanent, and Aina’s form convinced them to do just that last summer.
He was a regular again last season, playing 37 times in all competitions.
A Southwark boy, Aina represented England up to Under-21 level, but switched his allegiance to Nigeria – his parents’ nation – in 2017.
He has now won 14 caps for the Super Eagles, and was part of the team that finished third at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.