Nottingham Forest ‘Close to Agreeing’ Triple Deal with Botafogo | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Move for Brazilian Trio as European Return Sparks Ambition

Nottingham Forest are closing in on a bold triple signing from Botafogo, with striker Igor Jesus, left-back Cuiabano, and centre-back Jair Cunha all expected to join the East Midlands club this summer. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, the deal signals Forest’s intent to strengthen their squad after securing a return to European competition for the first time in three decades.

It is a statement of purpose. A nod to Forest’s historic past and a push towards a more ambitious future.

Young Talent with Immediate Potential

This isn’t simply a scouting foray into South America — it’s a calculated recruitment plan aimed at adding energy, versatility, and depth to a squad about to juggle domestic and European demands.

Igor Jesus, 24, is the most established of the three. A mobile forward who can operate centrally or on either wing, he has seven goals and one assist in 23 games this season for Botafogo. His rise has also earned him recognition with the Brazil national team, where he’s scored once in four appearances.

In Cuiabano, Forest would acquire a modern, attacking left-back. At 23, he’s capable of playing higher up the pitch as a wing-back and has delivered two goals and three assists in 21 games. With interest from Brighton & Hove Albion already rebuffed, his arrival would be considered a coup for a club outside the Premier League’s traditional elite.

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Cuiabano’s deal is particularly interesting given Brighton’s previous interest. “Botafogo have rejected two formal offers from Brighton for the Brazilian, who is contracted to Botafogo until the summer of 2027.”

Jair Cunha, meanwhile, brings physicality and youth to the back line. At 6ft 5in and just 20 years old, he has quickly become a fixture in Botafogo’s first team following a move from Santos in February. He also represents Brazil at under-20 level.

Forest’s European Return Adds Appeal

For a generation of supporters, this is a new era. For those who remember Clough and European Cups, it’s a chance to dream again. Forest’s qualification for the UEFA Conference League is more than symbolic. It’s a platform for growth, one that demands squad rotation and tactical adaptability.

These signings — all young, all with upside — reflect a club trying to move beyond simply surviving in the Premier League. John Textor, who owns Botafogo and holds shares in Crystal Palace and Lyon, appears central to this multi-club strategy that could benefit Forest’s recruitment.

With Forest reportedly close to finalising the deal before the trio face Neymar’s Santos on Sunday, momentum is building. The challenge now is turning potential into performance in the months ahead.

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This feels like a significant moment for the club. After so many years of stagnation, struggle, and scrap, Forest now find themselves planning for Europe. It’s a sentence that stirs the soul at the City Ground.

The triple signing from Botafogo has all the hallmarks of smart, forward-thinking business. Igor Jesus brings a level of unpredictability up front — something Forest have lacked when Taiwo Awoniyi is absent. He’s quick, skilful, and won’t shy away from responsibility.

Cuiabano’s arrival is just as exciting. With Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo filling in at full-back last season, there’s room for a more dynamic presence on the left. His ability to overlap and deliver could be a game-changer.

Then there’s Jair Cunha, raw but imposing. At 20, he might not start every week, but the Premier League needs depth and physicality, and this is a defender who can grow into the role.

For supporters, it’s refreshing to see Forest operating with ambition and clarity. There’s a plan. There’s investment. And there’s finally the promise of something more than survival. The return to Europe demands it, and this triple move might just deliver it.