Fulham are close to signing former Chelsea defender Ola Aina from Torino, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Nigerian international will be the fourth major signing to arrive at Craven Cottage this season.
Ola Aina Set to Sign for Fulham on loan
Ola Aina is Back
Former Chelsea player Ola Aina is about to return to the Premier League, just one season after permanently moving to Torino. Fulham have reportedly signed the Nigerian international on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.
The 23-year-old came up through Chelsea youth academy and made his debut under Antonio Conte in 2016. He went onto make six appearances for the Blues in his debut season but found himself more on the periphery of the first-team. Loan spells at Hull City and Torino followed before the latter secured his services at the end of last season.
Aina will join the Cottagers after a successful two seasons at Turin during which he made 69 appearances and scored one goal.
Fulham Hoping to Avoid Making the Same Mistake Twice
The last time Fulham got promoted to the Premier League, the Cottagers went on a signing spree that saw more than fifteen new arrivals in west London. They signed visually a whole new team with combined transfer fees costing above £100 million.
This time, though, Fulham look likely to make shrewd and calculated moves in the transfer market. The Cottagers have already signed Anthony Knockaert, Harrison Reed and Antonee Robinson, along with Mario Lemina on loan. Unlike the last time, the majority of the players to have arrived at Craven Cottage this season have played or spent time in a Premier League team.
Addressing the Problems at Right-Back
The right-back position was an area of major concern for Fulham coming into the Premier League. The Cottagers had not effectively signed a replacement following the transfer of Ryan Fredericks to West Ham in 2018.
Cyrus Christie, who has been brilliant in the Championship, proved to be at a level below the Premier League during their last Premier League run. Denis Odoi and Steven Sessegnon have also looked far below the standard of the Premier League.
Ola Aina looks deal shows Fulham’s desire to address the key issue.
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