Flamengo have now moved beyond simple monitoring of Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus. Contact has been made.
According to Brazilian journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira, Flamengo consulted the player’s camp to understand the conditions of a potential deal.
That represents a step forward from the previous reports of interest. However, despite that enquiry, the move is currently considered unlikely inside the Brazilian club.
Forest unlikely to cooperate mid-season
Forest are fighting relegation, now under newly appointed manager Vítor Pereira. Given that context, allowing attacking depth to leave would be a risky decision. As a result, Brazilian sources believe the Premier League side are not open to discussions right now.
Igor Jesus joined Forest in July 2025 for around €11.5m (£10m). He signed a four-year contract that runs until June 30, 2029. That long-term agreement puts Forest in a strong negotiating position. There is no reported financial pressure to sell.
In Brazil, his valuation has been placed at roughly €20m (£17m). A sale at that level would represent a sizeable uplift on Forest’s initial investment. Still, timing is key. Survival is the priority at the City Ground.
Numbers and profile under scrutiny
This season, the 24-year-old has scored two goals in 25 appearances. He has largely featured as part of the rotation rather than as an undisputed starter. Those statistics help explain Flamengo’s caution.
The Rio club are reportedly willing to invest up to €30m (£25.5m) for a guaranteed first-choice striker. They have previously explored high-profile names in the Premier League market. Igor Jesus fits the age profile and offers tactical flexibility, but he does not currently match the “automatic starter” description.
Internally, Flamengo believe there is “a 50% chance” they will sign a new centre-forward before the window closes on March 3. Whether Forest’s striker becomes that option appears doubtful.
For now, contact has confirmed the interest. However, with a contract until 2029 and a relegation battle ongoing, Forest hold the leverage and the timing advantage.