Igor Jesus says he is unsure how close Botafogo teammates Jair Cunha and Cuiabano are to joining him in making the switch to Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have been working on an astonishing triple deal for the Brazilian trio. Various reports have suggested the combined fee involved is in the region of €34-40 million (£29-33m).
Striker Jesus has confirmed Wednesday’s league game against Ceara represented his final appearance at Botafogo’s home stadium. It is expected he will head to the City Ground after the Club World Cup, which concludes on July 13.
Centre-back Jair and left-back Cuiabano are expected to make the switch at the same time. But Jesus has given little away about how close their deals are to being completed.
“I don't know what's going on with Jair and Cuiabano,” the front man told Brazilian publication Globo. “People say on social media that they're also closed, but I didn't even ask.
“It's just my part that everything is fine. I want to stay happy.
“Taking action and always choosing what's best for you is important. You get to the end of your career and realise that you weren't up for a big challenge like playing in the Premier League. No one knows what the future holds, but I'm sure I'll do well there.”
A five-year deal with Forest is said to be in the pipeline for Jesus. It has been claimed Cuiabano’s contract will be of the same length.
Prior to Wednesday’s match, Jesus had posted a message on Instagram announcing his departure. He had said: “Today I will play my last match at the Nilton Santos Stadium, where I was very happy and always tried to do my best!
"I want to thank everyone for always supporting me and believing in me. I’m not saying goodbye I’m saying see you later, I hope to one day return to this club that has become a part of my family and that I love so much!”
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He said after the final whislte: “'I really like this club, it's a club that welcomed me with great affection. The decision I made is yet another dream I have of playing in a major league. 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.”
Like Jesus, Jair played the full 90 minutes of Botafogo’s 3-2 midweek win. He said on Instagram afterwards: “+3 important points, in our home, with our fans, we continue…”
Will the Brazilian trio be good signings for Forest? Click HERE to have your say