Hutchinson credits Aina’s influence after difficult start at Nottingham Forest

Former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson says Nigeria international Ola Aina played an important role in helping him settle at Nottingham Forest after a challenging start to his time at the club.

Hutchinson moved to Forest from Ipswich Town for £37.5m after an outstanding individual campaign in the 2024-25 season. Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League meant the club decided to sell the winger, despite his impressive performances.

The 2026-27 campaign began less smoothly for Hutchinson at the City Ground. He struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up and was largely restricted to substitute appearances during the early part of the season.

His adjustment was made more difficult by uncertainty around the club. Forest dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo and subsequently worked under Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche before appointing Vitor Pereira in an effort to bring greater stability.

Hutchinson eventually became a more regular and influential member of the squad as the season progressed. He helped Forest finish 16th in the Premier League and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Forest’s European run ended against Aston Villa, who won the semi-final 4-1 on aggregate.

Aina was one of the players who supported Hutchinson during that difficult period. The defender has become an important figure at Forest since joining from Italian club Torino in 2023, earning a reputation for his influence both on and off the pitch.

The Super Eagles player has made 85 appearances in all competitions for the Tricky Trees and remains a prominent presence in the dressing room. He extended his contract in 2025, with the new agreement potentially keeping him at the club until 2028.

Hutchinson praised Aina’s contribution in an interview, acknowledging that adapting to Forest had not been straightforward. He highlighted the positive atmosphere created by the Nigeria defender and said Aina was among those who helped him through the most difficult stages of his first season.

The pair will now look to play more prominent roles under Forest’s new head coach, Oliver Glasner. The former Crystal Palace manager replaced Pereira earlier this summer and will attempt to build on the progress made by the club in recent seasons.

For Hutchinson, the appointment provides another opportunity to establish himself at Forest after his gradual improvement. Aina, meanwhile, will remain one of the experienced players expected to help the squad adapt to Glasner’s approach.

Forest will open their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at home against Leeds United. The match will be played at the City Ground on 22 August.