Moyes Explores January Options as Coleman and Patterson Struggle with Injuries.
Everton have reportedly added Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina to their transfer radar as they seek reinforcements at right-back during the ongoing January transfer window, Sportblits.com reports.
Manager David Moyes is facing a shortage in the position, with Seamus Coleman limited to just one Premier League start this season due to injuries. Nathan Patterson, intended as Coleman’s long-term replacement, has also struggled with fitness, leaving Moyes to rely on makeshift solutions.
Aina Under Consideration
The 29-year-old Nigerian international, who joined Forest from Torino in 2023, has been rehabilitating a hamstring injury sustained on international duty in September 2025. Before his return on January 3 against Aston Villa, Aina had missed three months of action, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Currently contracted to Forest until 2028, Aina has featured in five Premier League matches this season under former Everton boss Sean Dyche, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in October 2025.
While Aina is among the names Everton are considering, Moyes reportedly remains cautious about signing the defender, given his recent long-term injury and limited match fitness.
Context for Everton
Everton are actively seeking experienced defensive reinforcements this winter, hoping to stabilize a position that has been impacted by injuries and inconsistency. Aina’s experience in both the Premier League and international football makes him an attractive option, but his recent lay-off could influence the club’s decision.
