Torino coach Ivan Juric has hit out at Ola Aina with the Leeds United, West Ham and Crystal Palace target out of favour in Serie A, speaking to Football Italia.
The last time Aina took to the field in Torino colours, he put in an ‘extraordinary’ display against reigning Scudetto holders Inter Milan. That, however, was nearly four months ago now.
The Nigeria international hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since returning from the African Cup of Nations. And, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2023, few would be surprised if Aina never appeared for the Granata again.
Especially after Juric, who was also critical of inconsistent captain Andrea Belotti, went public with his frustrations about a man who has emerged as a summer target for a trio of Premier League clubs (ANS).
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“He hasn’t trained well since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations,” says Juric, the former Hellas Verona coach who has Torino supporters dreaming of a top-half finish for the first time since 2018/19.
“We had worked a lot on him. He was extraordinary against Inter (a narrow 1-0 defeat in December). But then he has never trained as he used to.”
Is Ola Aina returning to the Premier League?
Aina came close to a potential £9 million move to Leeds in the January transfer window. In fact, a deal only fell through after his replacement – Mohamed Fares – suffered a cruciate ligament injury that would bring a premature end to his season (CM).
Aina is all-but certain to be on the move come the summer, however. Especially with just over 12 months left on his current deal. London rivals West Ham and Crystal Palace have joined Leeds in the pursuit of the former Chelsea, Fulham and Hull City man.
Interestingly, Aina is one of a number of right-backs linked with West Ham. Speculation that will cast further doubt on the future of Ryan Fredericks at the London Stadium.
Despite an impressive performance in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Everton, Fredericks is still expected to leave. He will be a free agent in July.
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