Cuibano
Nottingham Forest could be facing an increasingly complex situation around Cuiabano, with the defender now attracting interest from top European clubs and showing little desire to return to the City Ground.
We covered this week how the 23-year-old has been thriving on loan at Vasco da Gama. He has five direct goal contributions in his last four matches and has quickly become a key figure under manager Renato Gaúcho.
That rise is even more striking given his path. Cuiabano joined Nottingham Forest, never made a senior appearance, returned to Botafogo on loan, came back to England, and still did not play. He was then loaned again to Vasco in January, where his form has taken off.
Now, that momentum is drawing attention across Europe.
German interest emerges as situation escalates
According to reports from Globo Esporte in Brazil, scouts from German clubs have recently travelled to Brazil to monitor players. And Cuiabano stood out.
The left-back is said to have impressed more than any other defender under the age of 23 during those scouting trips. That has led to concrete enquiries from two major clubs.
Both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have contacted Nottingham Forest and Vasco to understand the conditions of a potential deal.
This is not yet an advanced negotiation, but it signals a clear shift. Cuiabano is no longer just a successful loan story. He is now back on the European radar at a higher level.
Player stance and Vasco positioning
There is another key detail shaping the situation. Reports indicate Cuiabano does not view a return to Nottingham Forest positively, largely due to the adaptation difficulties he faced during his short spell in England.
At the same time, he remains open to another European move. That distinction matters. It suggests his next step could still be abroad, but not necessarily back to Forest.
Meanwhile, Vasco are trying to position themselves in this scenario.
The Brazilian club hold a purchase option worth €10m (£8.6m), and internally they are assessing whether to make that investment. The fee is considered high by their standards, but his performances and rapid adaptation are seen as strong arguments in favour of a permanent deal.
There is also a contract plan in place. If Vasco trigger the clause, they intend to tie Cuiabano down until December 2030.
His happiness at the club is another factor. Reports from Brazil describe him as settled, well integrated with teammates and staff, and enjoying his return to Rio de Janeiro.
What this means for Nottingham Forest
For Nottingham Forest, this is turning into a multi-layered decision.
They still have not used the player at senior level. Yet his value is rising through performances elsewhere and now through interest from clubs competing in European competitions.
The €10m (£8.6m) option agreed with Vasco could soon look like a favourable deal for the Brazilian side, especially if competition increases.
At the same time, interest from Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen introduces a new dynamic. Forest may have an opportunity to reassess his value in the market rather than simply follow the pre-agreed structure.
Our take: Marinakis to take advantage
Cuiabano’s situation is accelerating. Vasco want to keep him, but face financial considerations. The player is happy and playing regularly, which supports that path.
However, renewed European interest – and his own openness to another move abroad – could quickly change the landscape. And Evangelos Marinakis knows that, so it will be hard for Forest to come out with a negative output.
Now the situation is about deciding whether to cash in, renegotiate, or maybe even bring back a great player they have yet to properly evaluate.
EXCLUSIVE: Mathías Olivera
🚨 Nottingham Forest still trying for Napoli player
➡️ Changes at #NFFC haven’t impacted interest
🔼 Premier League stay key to successful transferhttps://t.co/f51ZV1MFiv #SSCNapoli
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 27, 2026