Nottingham Forest have moved quickly in a bid to get some transfer business sorted out early this summer.
It is an important window for the Reds as they look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign. Tweaks will be made to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad in a bid to push on again next season and also cope with the extra demands of playing in the UEFA Conference League.
Forest have Brazilians Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano in their sights in a triple raid on Botafogo. Sarah Clapson outlines what we know so far about the Reds’ interest in the trio...
Who are they?
Striker Jesus has been on Forest’s radar for some time. They were first credited with an interest in him last October and reportedly had a £30 million bid rejected in January because the front man felt staying put was best for his career.
The 24-year-old came up through the ranks at Coritiba and then had a spell in Dubai with Shabab Al Ahli. He returned to Brazil to sign for Botafogo 12 months ago.
Capable of operating out wide on either flank as well as up front, he has notched nine goals in 36 league appearances for Botafogo. He also has four caps to his name for Brazil.
Brazilian publication Trivela report they have had access to Forest’s evaluation of the forward. His “good physical ability” is said to have given him the edge over the other potential Brazilian targets the Reds looked at, such as Matheus Nascimento and Marcos Leonardo.
Jesus’ tactical intelligence is also said to have caught Forest’s eye and gave the impression he could fit in with Nuno’s style of play. The club also reportedly highlighted the 24-year-old’s “excellent attitude and work ethic” and anticipate there is “potential” for him to improve further.
Central defender Jair is a product of the Santos academy. He left for Botafogo in February and soon established himself as a first-team regular at his new club.
The 20-year-old, who stands at more than 6ft tall, is viewed as a promising talent. He has represented Brazil at youth level.
Left-back Cuiabano joined Botafogo from Gremio in April 2024. The 22-year-old has been a regular starter for the club since then. He can also play as a left wing-back.
How much will Forest pay for them?
Reports from Brazil have suggested a €20m (£17m) deal is in the works for Jesus. On X, Brazilian journalist Felipe Alves reported he had spoken to the player’s agent, Jefferson Batista, about the potential move.
Batista is quoted as saying: "Igor loves @Botafogo and his wish is to stay, but our decision is to sell to Nottingham Forest. The club also wants him to stay, but we decided on the transfer. It’s business, and Igor’s stay doesn’t pay the bills. Initially, Igor will remain at Botafogo until the end of the Club World Cup and then travel to England."
Botafogo paid in the region of £11.5m when they snapped up Jair earlier this year, and an offer made by the Reds is said to be higher than that. TBR Football have claimed the triple deal would be “in excess of” £30m.
No movement is expected until after the completion of the Club World Cup, which finishes on July 13. If all goes to plan, the trio would then be able to link up with Nuno’s squad early in pre-season.
Is there any other interest?
Arsenal and Fulham are said to have also “expressed interest” in Jesus. According to Trivela, the preference of Botafogo owner John Textor was to do business with the Reds because they agreed to pay “a large part” of the transfer fee up front.
When Forest were first said to be making checks on the forward, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion were all said to be keen. At the time, there was talk of a £30m price tag on his head.
Brighton and Hove Albion previously had their eye on Cuiabano and reportedly had two offers rejected. Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in him.
How would they fit in at the City Ground?
Forest need greater strength in depth across the pitch in advance of next season. Nuno’s squad became stretched towards the end of the campaign just gone. Players ran out of steam in the final weeks, with a dip in form costing the Reds a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Lessons will no doubt have been taken on board from that. Having more resources to call upon next term is of even greater importance given competing in Europe will mean additional games to contend with.
Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano would perhaps need time to adjust to the demands and nuances of English football. That would particularly be the case for the latter two, who are young talents.
Having options will be important for Nuno, though, as his team look to compete on several fronts. The Brazilian trio would certainly bolster resources in several areas. The versatility of Jesus and Cuiabano could prove especially useful.
Nevertheless, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has pointed out Forest might not be planning to hang on to all three players - at least initially. It could be that loans are in the pipeline, given Reds chief Evangelos Marinakis also owns Greek giants Olympiacos and Portuguese outfit Rio Ave.
Sport Witness have quoted Nicola as saying:“Igor Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano, the three are targets of Nottingham Forest. The English club intends to sign the trio in the coming days. And even if they are not all used by Nottingham Forest, they may end up being loaned out within Evangelos Marinakis’ group.”
When it comes to settling in Trentside, it would likely not be an issue given there is a strong Brazilian contingent already in place at the City Ground. Forest currently have goalkeeper Carlos Migue, defenders Murillo and Morato and midfielder Danilo on the books.
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