Get to know Nottingham Forest’s three potential signings from Botafogo
- Nathan Joyes
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
A trio of Brazilians are reportedly heading to Trentside.Â
It’s not often a football club signs three players from one club in a window, but that’s exactly what Nottingham Forest are trying to achieve as they look to raid Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo.
Cuiabano, Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus look set to leave Rio de Janeiro and make their way to the City Ground post Club World Cup. But who exactly are they? Nathan Joyes provides us with the lowdown.
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Cuiabano
Brighton tried and failed to bring in Cuiabano, while Fenerbahce previously had an offer knocked back in January. Instead, he’ll likely be linking up with Nuno Santo this summer.
Nottingham Forest fans will be excited to see their club edge out Brighton - a side that has become well-known for their scouting in South America - and they have every right to be.
Powerful and physically strong, the Brazilian is very much built for the European game, and is awarded bonus points as he can operate anywhere down the left-hand side - and this campaign Cuiabano has shown it’s worth playing him higher up the pitch.
Yet despite the 22-year-old having moved into a more advanced position, his defensive mindset hasn’t shifted. Cuiabano is phenomenal at pressing opposition full-backs, forcing them into mistakes and turning over possession into his favour.
A player confident in his own ability, the Brazilian has the pace to work up and down the channel, supporting at both ends of the pitch - an attribute that will certainly please the fans.
But he’s not just a workhorse. Capable of the occasional rocket with his left-foot, as well as not shy when it comes to attempting crosses from wide areas, Cuiabano has the key ingredients to mould into a good squad player.
Whether or not Cuiabano will be presented with an opportunity at the City Ground this season - or if he will be loaned out to one of Evangelos Marinakis’ other clubs - remains uncertain.
But either way, Nottingham Forest have identified another talent that has the potential to succeed in Europe. He may just need a full season behind him in order to achieve that goal.
Jair Cunha
There’s no doubt that Nottingham Forest’s recruitment team are clued up when it comes to recognising Brazilian centre-backs with high ceilings - and Jair Cunha fits that brief.
Having developed with Santos’ academy, one of the most prestigious in Brazil, John Textor did everything he could to sign Jair in the off-season. Bids back and forth took place which in the end saw Tiquinho Soares go the other way - as well as €12m. A decent-sized fee in Brazil.
It was led to believe this move was to help Botafogo challenging for trophies in 2025, before an eventual move to Textor’s other club, Lyon, similar to what happened with Thiago Almada’s transfer last campaign.
But with Lyon's on-going financial issues that route looks blocked - and Nottingham Forest have swooped in.
It’s not difficult to see why. Jair has rare qualities so many clubs crave in their centre-backs.
Technical, tall yet extremely comfortable with both feet, the 20-year-old hasn’t looked back since he was introduced to the starting XI. An unfortunate injury to Alexander Barboza presented Jair with his chance - and he’s arguably been one of the first names on the teamsheet ever since.
Standing at 6ft 6, there’s no surprise to see he’s won 82% of his aerial duels this campaign.
Yet having averaged 3.4 balls recovered per game - a similar figure to Manchester City’s Vitor Reis last season for Palmeiras - shows he’s much more than an aerial defensive unit.
To date, Jair has started 10 Brasileirão matches and he’s kept six clean sheets. That’s because he’s comfortable when pressing, forcing players wide and knowing when is the right time to get touch tight with his opponent.
There’s certainly no need to loan Jair to either Olympiakos or Rio Ave, who can step in ahead of Morato, who’s divided Forest’s fanbase over the last 12 months.
Igor Jesus
Social media has been quick to form an opinion on Igor Jesus since it was announced the Brazilian was heading to the City Ground. And while output is vital for any striker, it’s important to understand exactly how Jesus operates.
First of all, it has been a huge success story for the striker. Less than 12 months ago he was plying his trade in the UAE for Shabab Al Ahli, before Botafogo snapped him up on a free transfer midway through their campaign.
Jesus joined an exciting project. Led by former Braga head coach Artur Jorge, the Portuguese manager instantly made Jesus his no.9 - and the rest, as they say, is history. The forward scored five league goals in 22 appearances as well as three goals and two assists in the Copa Libertadores as Botafogo scooped a famous double.
Those numbers won't impress everyone, but under Jorge, Jesus did what was asked of him.
He was the sole forward. In behind was Luiz Henrique, Thiago Almada, Jefferson Savarino and Junior Santos, who often interchanged and were given freedom to roam. As a unit, those named were fluid, diverse and creative. Goals were very much spread across the team, and that's why Fogo had so much success in 2024.
For context, Botafogo had never won the Libertadores before and they hadn’t won a league title since 1995.Â
With matches every three-four days, under intense pressure, Jorge’s side delivered. The Brazilian calendar can be rather unforgiving - in particular with the vast amount of travelling - and that’s what Jesus' stats don’t tell you.
Operating almost as a false 9, Jesus is excellent at using his physical presence to hold up the ball, challenge with centre-backs and bringing others into play. The 24-year-old isn’t your traditional Brazilian, but works incredibly hard for the team - which has often been overlooked.
His performances for Fogo earned him a call-up to the national team, where he once again scored one of his trademark glanced headers against Chile on his debut. His intelligent movement inside the box is one of his key attributes.
Under a new manager, and a new system, Jesus’ output has improved in 2025. With three goals in nine league appearances - and two goals in five Libertadores matches - one of South America’s best forwards when it comes to heading has thrived.
Jesus loves Botafogo. Playing at the Nilton Santos. Living in Rio de Janeiro. And no doubt it has proven to be a difficult decision to leave when he receives such admiration from the fans. But make no mistake, this is an opportunity he has created for himself - and one he deserves.
Jesus is not world class, nor is he entirely flawless. There’s work to be done on his overall decision making, and although quick when he gets going, can be a little slow off the mark.
But that’s not playing to his strengths, and if Forest do that, he’ll be a good addition to the squad.
Can a Brazilian team win the CWC?
There's an opportunity to watch Cuiabano, Jair and Igor Jesus in action this summer as they represent Botafogo at the Club World Cup. But how far can they go? Or can another Brazilian club spring a surprise in the US?