TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Nottingham Forest have all-but secured a triple deal for Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano.
Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to Europe for the first time in 30 years, having qualified for the Europa Conference League.
In addition, outgoings are set to be on the cards at Forest, with several expiring contracts along with Danilo being likely to leave the City Ground.
TBR Football can also reveal the state of play involving Danilo, who is wanted by Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest ‘over the moon’ with Igor Jesus deal amid ‘brilliant business’ all round
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has heard from Forest sources that the deals for the Botafogo trio are “all-but done”.
John Textor has agreed the deals for Jesus, Jair and Cuiabano on the back of Danilo’s imminent switch to Lyon.
Botafogo are owned by Textor, who, through his company Eagle Football Holdings, also holds shares in Lyon and Crystal Palace.
Forest are especially thrilled about signing Jesus, who Arsenal approached over a move in the January transfer window.
“Nottingham Forest are over the moon to get Igor Jesus,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“But to get the other two also for the same money as they are raising from Danilo is brilliant business from Forest.
“Cuiabano is a player they have a lot of belief in too – this is good work, clearly Forest’s Brazilian network is working really well here.
“A great start to the summer for Forest.”
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What Igor Jesus could bring to Nottingham Forest
Jesus is set to join Forest after one season at Botafogo, where he registered 15 goals and six assists from 54 competitive outings.
Prior to his move to Botafogo, Jesus played for United Arab Emirates side Shabab Al-Ahli, making 88 outings and registering 43 goals and 20 assists.
“Igor Jesus is a centre-forward with very good versatility,” Brazilian journalist Thiago Rabelo told Transfermarkt.
“He’s not a strong player who only plays all time in the box. He likes to get out wide and is capable of playing on the wings of the pitch for a team-mate to infiltrate the centre.”
Rabelo also said: “Although he had a great final half of the year at Botafogo, he needs to show more consistency.
“He has some qualities to compete in the Premier League – he’s strong, fast and a powerful finisher, he is not a player who stands still waiting for the ball.
“That’s a good thing and helps him to think bigger in European football.”