John Textor has opened up on his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis following a flurry of transfer business between Nottingham Forest and Botafogo.
Four players signed for the Reds from the Brazilian outfit this summer. Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, John Victor and Cuiabano all made the switch, although the latter has since returned to his former club on loan for the remainder of 2025. Meanwhile, midfielder Danilo headed in the opposite direction as he left the City Ground after a two-and-a-half-year stay.
Forest owner Marinakis and Botafogo shareholder Textor have a good relationship. And the latter has hinted further deals between the pair’s clubs could take place in the future.
“It's just a common collaboration with a good friend, who is one of the few European owners extremely active in Brazil,” Textor told Brazilian publication FogaoNET. “The more we know each other, the more we negotiate.”
He added: “Of course, it probably helps that we're talking about a greater strategic alignment. We're also looking to keep this traffic moving toward Brazil, not just players leaving Brazil.”
Forest have utilised the Brazilian market to great effect in recent windows. They now have seven Brazilian players on their books, with Murillo, Morato and Douglas Luiz all Reds players, in addition to Jesus, Jair, Victor and Cuiabano.
Textor was at the City Ground last Sunday as Victor’s arrival was confirmed. The American businessman posted a picture and a video on social media of the two of them at Forest’s stadium.
He wrote: “So proud of this great young man , @johnvictor, who helped us win the championship of Brazil, the championship of South America, and a victory over PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup. Now he gets to live a dream and play in the biggest league in the world, for @officialnffc in the @premierleague.”
Textor recently described how a phone call from Marinakis played a key role in Danilo’s move to Botafogo. He said at the time: "I'm good friends with Marinakis from Nottingham Forest, everyone knows that.
“He's a very passionate owner, he understands football, he watches as much football as I do. And he called me and said: 'Trust this kid (Danilo). Trust him. He's going to make you a better team.'”
Pointing to Danilo, he added: “So, this is a shout-out to Marinakis, who told me you’ll do great things. I trust him, and I trust you.”
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