Nigeria’s Ola Aina joins Fulham

 

Newly promoted Premier League side Fulham signed Torino defender Ola Aina on a season-long loan on Friday.

It is understood that the London club have an option to turn the 23-year-old’s loan into a permanent move at the end of this season.

The deal sees the Super Eagles defender return to London where he was born and spent several seasons in Chelsea’s youth team before joining Torino.

“I feel very excited and privileged to be able to play for a club like this,” Aina told Fulham’s 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 (Michael Hector) and Josh Onomah.”

Aina joined Chelsea aged 11 and went on to make three league appearances between 2015 and 2019.

After impressing in Italy on loan, Torino signed Aina on a permanent basis.

Fulham, coached by former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker, open their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal lunchtime Saturday.