Nottingham Forest are set to sign goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo, but there may be even more business completed before Sunday’s clash with West Ham.
Forest have agreed a deal to sign John after hijacking a move from Sunday’s opponents, filling the gap left behind when Carlos Miguel left for Palmeiras.
Goalkeeper was a position that Nuno Espírito Santo wanted to strengthen before Monday’s transfer deadline, alongside both full-back positions.
With Nicolo Savona set to sign for Forest to cover the right side, the Reds have quickly swooped in to agree a deal for a left-back who will be familiar to those keeping a keen eye on the summer transfer rumours.
Cuiabano of Botafogo runs during the match between Botafogo and Criciuma
Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest strike Cuiabano deal with Botafogo
It looks as if Evangelos Marinakis is set to benefit from his relationship with John Textor once more before the end of the window, with John and now Cuiabano set to create a Botafogo quartet at the City Ground.
Cuiabano was linked with Forest alongside the deals for Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, but after the rumours had quietened down, Ge Globo has revealed that the left-back is now close to joining his Brazilian compatriots.
The report said: “On the same day that goalkeeper John was released, Botafogo accepted another offer from Nottingham Forest—this time for left-back Cuiabano. Negotiations are at an agreed stage between the clubs, pending only the full-back’s approval.
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“[…] With Botafogo’s approval, the decision is up to Cuiabano. The left-back had previously expressed interest in a potential move to European football, but ran into salary issues with Forest.”
In reference to these salary issues, Nottingham Forest News revealed in June that Cuiabano’s move to Forest was in doubt, but this latest agreement will hopefully see the deal over the line.
However, should Cuiabano arrive at the City Ground, the Forest faithful may have to wait a short while to see him in action.
Cuiabano will arrive at Nottingham Forest on the back of an injury
Cuiabano can also play further forward which could come in handy if the Reds ever switch to a five at the back system, but currently, he will be needed most as back-up to Neco Williams.
However, the Brazilian would actually arrive at Forest on the back of an injury, having damaged his ankle earlier in August.
The report continued: “Cuiabano has played 60 games since joining Botafogo in 2024. Since then, the left-back has scored seven goals and provided seven assists. This season, his last appearance was in early August against Cruzeiro, when he sprained his left ankle.”
With the international break coming up, Cuiabano will have time to recover, but after the intensity of the Club World Cup before his injury, the Forest medical team may look to be careful with his ankle.