Nottingham Forest are pressing ahead in their transfer business, but one promising deal is now in doubt as the chances of completion drop to a 50/50 chance.
Perhaps the most important deal of the summer so far has been Nuno Espírito Santo signing a new contract, solidifying the base that Forest will look to progress from in the 25/26 season.
Evangelos Marinakis is expecting trophies from Espírito Santo so the transfer dealings need to be spot on to steer the Forest squad in that direction.
With Nuno prioritising four positions to strengthen this summer, Nottingham Forest News has learned that one target who looked set to arrive at the City Ground is now less certain to join.
Cuiabano of Botafogo runs during the match between Botafogo and Criciuma
Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images
Cuiabano’s move to Nottingham Forest now in doubt
Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha will arrive at Forest in a double-swoop from Botafogo, after the Brazilian club competes in the ongoing Club World Cup.
However, the double deal was widely expected to become a triple deal, with left-back Cuiabano joining his compatriots at the City Ground. However, Nottingham Forest News has learned, through Graham Bailey, that the Cuiabano signing is far from sealed.
Bailey said: “While Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha are done, the deal for Cuiabano is in doubt. I am told that it is only seen as a 50/50 chance of happening at this point.”
The football correspondent also confirmed that a “host of clubs” are monitoring the situation with Cuiabano, who has previously garnered interest from Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Forest cannot give up on a deal for the 22-year-old, though, as he would fill a gap in the Reds squad that Espírito Santo must find a solution for this summer.
Nottingham Forest need someone of Cuiabano’s profile
Jesus was asked if Cuiabano would join him at Forest but the striker didn’t give anything away. Truthfully, though, the addition of the left-back would be almost as important as signing Jesus.
Currently, only Neco Williams can be viewed as a first-team left-back in the squad, with Harry Toffolo departing at the end of his contract and Alex Moreno returning to Aston Villa.
Even Williams can be seen as more of a makeshift left-back, regardless of his brilliant performances in the role, so a natural, left-footed player in the role must be added.
Cuiabano fits this bill and can even play further forward, so Marinakis cannot give up on the negotiations for the Botafogo man. Marinakis has a strong relationship with John Textor, so hopefully that advantage will be enough to steer the deal back on the right track.