Nottingham Forest look like they might just have snatched another bargain player away from Brazilian football in Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.
The 24-year-old, confirmed as a Forest player by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano ahead of Botafogo’s Club World Cup clash with Paris Saint Germain, then celebrated by scoring the goal that beat the Champions League winners in Pasadena.
It was Jesus’s second goal of the new-look tournament and signalled a huge upset as his first-half strike from outside the PSG area deflected off defender Willian Pacho and flew past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Botafogo then defended superbly to keep out Luis Enrique's side, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Goncalo Ramos squandering good chances to equalise.
While the victory leaves Botafogo, who won their first Copa Libertadores title in 2024, on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages, Forest fans will no doubt be salivating at just what Jesus could do to Premier League defences next season.
"A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is," said a delighted Jesus after the game.
According to Romano , Forest’s three-player raid on Botafogo is two-thirds complete after he tweeted: "Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha can be considered new Nottingham Forest players from Botafogo, deal sealed. There are still details pending for Cuiabano deal.”
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Botafogo owner John Textor was recently quoted in Brazil as saying only Jesus and Jair were on course to link up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad since Brighton and Hove Albion are hoping to gatecrash Forest's swoop for 22-year-old left-back Cuiabano.
According to Globo, Forest have offered €20 million (£17m) for Jesus, but the combined deal including centre-half Cunha is likely to cost in the region of £30m, according to the Telegraph, who claim the playersare expected to undergo medicals later this month.
Forest reaped the rewards of making a number of quick signings 12 months ago, giving the newcomers the opportunity to settle in before the real action started.
A repeat scenario this time around would be beneficial again as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have the additional challenge of competing in Europe in 2025/26.
The Telegraph also report that key players Neco Williams and Ola Aina are on the verge of signing new contracts to extend their stays at the City Ground.
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