The Italian press has once again linked Leeds United with a move for Torino full back Ola Aina. According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, the Whites have made an enquiry through ‘international intermediaries’ in recent days to register their interest in the 25-year-old.
Leeds have already moved quickly to secure two new signings this summer, with Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen both joining from Red Bull Salzburg. They are also hoping to complete the signing of Marc Roca from Bayern Munich, as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
However, reports are now emerging that Torino’s Aina is also a target, which on the face of it would appear hard to believe. Though he can play on the left, Aina is primarily a right back – a position which Leeds are very well stocked in, with new signing Kristensen, Cody Drameh and Luke Ayling all strong options.
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Leeds could do with some depth at left back with Junior Firpo currently the only fit option in that position at the club, and Stuart Dallas out long term. But if the Whites were to target a player for that role, it would make more sense for it to be someone whose recognised position is left back.
Having said that, here is a quick backgrounder on Aina amid the links from the Italian media.
Who is Aina?
As mentioned, Aina is currently a 25-year-old right back who currently plays his football at Serie A side Torino. Despite having represented England between U16 and U20 level, he is a 21-time capped Nigeria international.
Aina made 21 league appearances for Torino last season and was a regular doing the first half of the campaign, but struggled to regain his place after the African Cup of Nations. He spent most of the season at either left back, or left wing back, which could be why Leeds are interested.
What does his career look like so far?
Aina has actually spent the majority of his career in England after progressing through the youth ranks of Chelsea, where he went onto make six senior appearances. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he got his first taste of regular first time football when he joined Hull City on loan in the Championship in the 2017/18 season.
He made 44 appearances for the Tigers, but after they failed to get near promotion, Aina joined Torino on loan the following year. His form at the Italian side earned him a permanent move to the club, but only a year later he was on the move again.
Aina made the temporary switch to Fulham after their promotion to the Premier League, where he scored two goals in 31 appearances. He played in every position across the back four at Craven Cottage but could not prevent Scott Parker’s side from relegation, which saw him return to Torino, where he remains now.
