Nottingham Forest are set to sign Igor Jesus from Botafogo as the Reds finally end their wait to bolster their attacking arsenal.
Chris Wood scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season, but at 33-years-old, it would have been a big ask to demand he play quite so many games again during 2025/26, with European football on the cards.
Jesus has now played his final home game for Botafogo. He waved goodbye to the Estadio Nilton Santos Stadium by helping the team win 3-2 against Ceará.
The 24-year-old has scored seven goals during the 2025 campaign, and Jesus spoke about Forest for the first time after last night’s game, hinting that an announcement is now imminent.
Jesus feels like an exciting addition, and he might be about to make Premier League history before a ball is even kicked.
Photo by Andre Ricardo/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Andre Ricardo/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Igor Jesus could make Premier League squad number history
In the world of modern football, squad numbers are a big thing, with young fans often choosing to get their favourite player’s name and number on the back of their new jersey.
Jesus has been wearing the rather unorthodox squad number of 99 at Botafogo, whilst he also wore the eccentric shirt number during his time in Saudi Arabia with Shabab Al Ahli too.
If he does choose to stick with the same number that he’s typically preferred, Jesus would definitely make Premier League history as no player has worn that number before.
MORE FOREST STORIES
Other, more conventional shirt numbers will likely be available, although with Taiwo Awoniyi currently occupying number nine, that might be out of the question.
Jesus will have his squad number confirmed in due course
First, Forest are waiting for an official announcement, and it’s not certain whether it will come before or after the Club World Cup in the United States.
Jesus appears to be happy to be joining Forest and he will be itching to join up with his teammates ahead of a campaign playing in the UEFA Conference League next season.
With four competitions on the horizon for Forest, it’s vital that the squad is well-stocked and Jesus should be capable of coming in and playing plenty of minutes.
Naturally, there will be a settling in period for Jesus but with the likes of Murillo and Carlos Miguel at the club, the hope will be that he can find his feet very quickly.