Nottingham Forest’s plans ultimately shaped Cuiabano’s decision in the final hours of the window and brought clarity to a situation that had shifted several times in recent days. It’s time to explain the U-turn.
According to ESPN Brasil, the left-back initially wanted to stay in Europe. Forest reportedly even had a plan for his physical rehabilitation.
Late in the process, however, Evangelos Marinakis informed him that he would not be involved in the first team plans. So he put two concrete options on the table: a loan move to Rio Ave in Portugal or a return to Brazil, where the strongest proposal came from Vasco da Gama. Cuiabano chose the Brazilian route.
That choice explains the apparent change from his earlier stance. Only days earlier, sources said he had ruled out a return home. Faced with limited space at Nottingham Forest and a clearer role in Rio, the player opted for certainty rather than waiting for another European opening.
One detail also stands out. Cuiabano has never made an official appearance for Forest. After being sold by Botafogo, he returned there on loan. He now moves to Vasco without ever debuting for the Premier League side.
Further details from Globo Esporte show the deal is now close to completion. Cuiabano has not signed yet, but optimism remains on all sides. Forest and Vasco have already agreed on the financial terms, and talks advanced significantly in recent hours.
The player accepted Vasco’s salary proposal last week and pushed behind the scenes to close the move. Vasco executive director Admar Lopes has led the negotiations and spoken directly with the defender throughout the process.
At this stage, only medical tests and final paperwork remain. Unless something unexpected happens, Cuiabano’s long-running situation is finally set to reach its conclusion.