Nottingham Forest’s transfer business has been strong this summer, with Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitious approach at the heart of it.
Marinakis is expecting improvements from his Forest squad this season and it’s clear to see why, given the over £200m invested in the playing squad.
Perhaps most notable was Forest’s capture of Douglas Luiz, a remarkable signing given that the Reds are only set to pay £25m to turn the loan into a permanent deal.
It’s these sorts of clever deals that are perhaps overlooked in the midst of the statement spending, but the club look set to continue their smart transfer moves thanks to a key relationship Marinakis is developing.
John Textor attends Botafogo vs Corinthians
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
John Textor discusses ‘strategic’ relationship with Evangelos Marinakis
Amid the high profile names, Forest have done a remarkable amount of business with Brazilian side Botafogo, most recently sending Cuiabano on loan to Botafogo just days after signing him from there.
Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and John Victor have all arrived from Rio de Janeiro, while Danilo signed for Botafogo as this new alliance between Marinakis and John Textor looks to benefit both parties.
The pair look set for more business in the future, too, outlined by Textor in an interview with Globo Esporte.
Nottingham Forest have signed FOUR players from the SAME club this summer 😮
Cuiabano, Igor Jesus, John Victor and Jair Cunha all joined from Brazilian side Botafogo 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/MRYJKXZ6Jk
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 1, 2025
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He said: “It’s just a common collaboration with a good friend, who is one of the few European owners extremely active in Brazil. The more we know each other, the more we negotiate.
“Of course, it probably helps that we’re talking about greater strategic alignment. We’re also looking to keep this traffic moving toward Brazil, not just players leaving Brazil.”
This strategic alignment is already positively affecting the Reds through the Cuiabano loan, a deal that Marinakis could look to replicate in the future.
Nottingham Forest’s Cuiabano loan could be the blueprint
While back at Botafogo, Forest are said to be heavily involved in Cuiabano’s nutrition and playing time, as well as ensuring he partakes in regular English lessons.
For Botafogo, they get the left-back until the end of the Brazilian season, crucial for them as well as then allowing Cuiabano to return in January without majorly impacting Textor’s side.
Clearly, as Forest continue to pursue the Brazilian market, this partnership with Botafogo could be a brilliant way to ease the adaptation period for players they think may struggle with the major move.
The Cuiabano loan has shown that the Reds can maintain plenty of control of the player’s development, too, while still giving Botafogo the benefit of the player on a match-day.
Should this relationship with Textor continue, then, it wouldn’t be a shock to see more deals done using the Cuiabano blueprint.