Forest Green Rovers have completed their sixth addition this summer as Stoke City centre‑back Agina signs on a two‑year deal, manager Robbie Savage announced on Tuesday.

How did the deal unfold?

Savage revealed the club had been in advanced talks with the 24‑year‑old defender for weeks. "We’ve been tracking Agina since the start of the window and the paperwork is finally done," he explained. The transfer fee was undisclosed, but the club confirmed the contract runs until summer 2028. Agina joins a back‑line that already features veteran centre‑half James Collins and promising youngster Liam Doyle.

Why is this signing important for Forest Green?

The Rovers sit 7th in the National League with 81 points, a record of 23 wins, 12 draws and 11 losses from 46 games, and a recent form of WLWDW. Adding Agina bolsters a defence that has let in 52 goals this season, a figure the manager hopes to improve. "We need more stability at the back after conceding too many," Savage said, noting the team’s goal difference of +30 after scoring 82.

What does this mean for the title chase?

Forest Green sit 27 points behind leaders York, meaning a promotion push will require a dramatic run of form. The new signing arrives after a 1‑0 loss to Boreham Wood on 29 April 2026, a result that highlighted defensive frailties. Savage believes Agina’s experience in the Championship will help tighten the back line, aiming to turn the recent 2‑win‑3‑loss streak around.

What are the next steps?

With recruitment described as "pretty much done," the focus now shifts to integrating the newcomers during pre‑season. Savage plans a series of friendlies against higher‑division sides to test the revamped defence. "We’ll give the lads a chance to gel before the season kicks off in August," he added. The club hopes the new signings will spark a run of positive results, turning the recent dip into a springboard for a late‑season surge.

Forest Green’s fans will be watching closely as the squad reshapes, hoping the fresh faces can help the Rovers climb the table and close the gap on York. The next fixture against AFC Fylde on 12 August will be the first real test of the new defensive unit.