Nigerian international Ola Aina has returned to the Premier League with newly promoted Fulham on a season-long loan move from Torino.
Aina signed a permanent deal with Torino last season after he impressed while on loan from Chelsea.
Fulham announced on Friday that they have completed the signing of the 23-year old defender.
The club confirmed that the deal also includes an option to make the deal a permanent one.
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Aina after finalizing his move expressed his delight to have joined the club in an interview with 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.”
Fulham chairman Tony Khan while welcoming Aina to the club said his arrival will strengthen the club.
“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 Eagle and was part of the team that finished third at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.