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Nottingham Forest’s £30m swoop for Brazilian duo signals start of European adventure

Nottingham Forest are close to completing a £30 million deal for Botafogo’s Brazilian pair Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha.

Jesus, the Brazilian international forward, and centre-back Cunha, are expected to undergo medicals later this month, or when Botafogo’s involvement in the Club World Cup is over. Both scored in Botafogo’s 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders in their opening group game.

In another boost to manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is preparing for Forest’s return to European football, key players Neco Williams and Ola Aina are on the verge of signing new contracts.

Williams and Aina both have one year left on their current deals but negotiations are advancing positively and an agreement is regarded as a formality.

The move to offer Wales international Williams improved terms, and extend the contract of Aina, is a strategic decision aimed at retaining the core of Nuno’s squad.

Williams was signed from Liverpool for about £17 million following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League, and he has been consistently impressive, producing arguably his best season in the last campaign.

Aina, the Nigeria international, has also proved a huge success after joining on a free transfer. Though he has triggered an option to stay for another year, he is set to sign a long-term contract at the City Ground.

Forest are also working on incomings and the capture of Jesus, 24, is regarded as a major coup.

Botafogo's Brazilian defender Jair Cunha celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Seattle

Defender Jair Cunha also got on the scoresheet against Seattle - AFP via Getty Images/Pablo Porciuncula

There is also strong interest in Cuiabano, another Botafogo player. Though the arrivals of Jesus and Cunha are all but guaranteed, Brazilian sources claim that a deal for Cuiabano is not as advanced.

Brighton and Hove Albion have shown previous interest in the 22-year-old left-back and, while Forest are still hopeful of signing him, a transfer is not yet agreed.

Forest secured their return to Europe for the first time since the 1995-96 season with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.

Nuno is also targeting at least two wingers, a central midfielder, a left-back and No 2 goalkeeper.

Danilo and goalkeeper Matt Turner’s moves to Lyon will accelerate when the two Brazilians are signed and sealed.

Why Forest are bolstering squad while putting up ‘not for sale’ sign

When Nuno Espirito Santo was pressed last season on the secrets of Nottingham Forest’s success, he frequently pointed to the squad sticking together.

With players such as Murillo, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga all attracting interest from rival clubs, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis put up the “not for sale” sign.

The future of England international Morgan Gibbs-White has been uncertain this summer, with Manchester City seriously considering a bid before opting to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

Yet Marinakis is determined to continue building for the future and it will require significant offers to persuade him to even contemplate doing business.

European football is where he feels Forest belong and he wants next season’s excursions to be an annual event.

Retaining the squad by offering the likes of Neco Williams and Ola Aina new contracts is another positive step as Forest target further progress.

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