Striker Igor Jesus is said to have already undergone a medical ahead of his expected move to Nottingham Forest from Botafogo.
Prior to heading to America for the Club World Cup, the Brazilian confirmed a switch to the City Ground was on the cards. Following his team’s elimination from the tournament, the countdown is on for his anticipated unveiling Trentside.
According to The Telegraph, Jesus has already undergone a medical in preparation for putting pen to paper for the Reds. Forest are said to be ‘putting the finishing touches’ to a deal for the 24-year-old and expect him to link up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad for pre-season training next month, once he has had a break.
Brazilian publication Globo report Jesus was ‘sold in early June’ to the Reds and put the fee at €20 million (£17m). His appearance in Botafogo’s 1-0 defeat to Palmeiras on Saturday, in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup, represented his ‘last dance’ for the Brazilian outfit.
The front man scored two goals in four games at the FIFA tournament, including finding the back of the net against Paris Saint-Germain. He also picked up two Player of the Match awards.
Jesus has spoken several times about his proposed move to the Premier League. He bid an emotional farewell to Botafogo fans in his final home game before the Club World Cup, but has expressed excitement about testing himself in the UK.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
“The decision I made is yet another dream I have of playing in a major league,” he recently said. “The opportunity to play in a major championship like the Premier League comes up, and I can't waste it because we don't know when another opportunity will come along.
“I achieved the goals I had here at Botafogo, winning the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship, two very important championships. Now I hope to continue my journey in this new challenge in my life. Now I have the opportunity to play for Nottingham and I hope to have a great championship there.”
Jesus will help bolster Forest’s attacking resources for the 2025/26 campaign. Nuno’s men are set to compete on the European stage for the first time in three decades, in the Conference League, and having strength in depth across the pitch is crucial.
Chris Wood enjoyed a fine season in the Garibaldi last time out and will have a key role to play again next term. The Reds also have Taiwo Awoniyi on the books, although he is recovering from a serious abdominal injury.
Is Jesus what Forest need? Click HERE to have your say