Nottingham Forest have had an indifferent pre-season on the pitch, but the emergence of some young talents has been a highlight.
If there is any benefit to be found in not completing your transfer business early, it’s seeing young talents shine in pre-season, with plenty of Forest Academy stars getting a chance in the early friendlies.
Jimmy Sinclair impressed against Chesterfield and went on to produce lively cameos against AS Monaco and Estoril as well, while first team regular Zach Abbott has also impressed despite having to occasionally deputise at right-back.
However, there’s one 20-year-old gem in the Forest squad that didn’t come from the academy whose reputation could see him become the breakout star of the 25/26 season.
Jair Cunha in action during Nottingham Forest's friendly against Fiorentina
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Jair Cunha arrives at Nottingham Forest with ‘enormous’ praise
Nottingham Forest News reported that Forest were delighted to secure Jair Cunha, who joined alongside Igor Jesus in a double-swoop from Brazilian outfit Botafogo.
Willy Boly has been helping Cunha and Jesus settle given that he speaks fluent Portuguese, a process that will be crucial in Cunha’s case, especially given the remarkable potential he arrives with.
In an article by The Athletic, the centre-back’s path to regular senior football at such a young age was mapped, including a comparison to a former Champions League winner.
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Quoting former Santos boss Lisca from August 2022, the report said: “He’s 17 and has a lot of quality. He reminds me of Lucio when he came through: a bit rough around the edges, but strong and committed.
“Jair has enormous potential. He’s tall and fast. I’m desperate to throw him into the team, but there’s a right time for everything.”
Nuno Espírito Santo may also be desperate to throw Cunha into the Forest squad against Brentford given his strong pre-season, but it may be that the Brazilian makes his Premier League debut out of necessity rather than choice.
Jair Cunha may be required as cover against Brentford
Like Abbott, Cunha has had to play at full-back on occasion during pre-season, given the lack of adequate cover for Ola Aina in the position.
However, Aina missed Forest’s friendly against Birmingham and Fiorentina which has brought his fitness into question ahead of the Premier League kick-off.
Forest are interested in Jackson Tchatchoua of Hellas Verona as an option on the right side of defence, but if that deal isn’t completed, it will be between Abbott and Cunha for the starting spot.
Neither have looked natural in the role but Cunha has looked slightly more comfortable, so it would come down to whether the Forest manager would rather side with the Brazilian or Abbott, who has more experience in the squad.