NafisaNottingham Forest have finalised an extraordinary triple transfer raid worth €35 million [£29.3m] as they gear up to feature in European competition for the first time in three decades.
It was a season to remember for Nuno Espirito Santo and his overperforming Forest squad, who came close to securing a top-five spot and Champions League berth, only to fall short after a 1-0 loss to Chelsea on the final day.
Nevertheless, they will participate in the UEFA Conference League next term – a truly impressive feat given the circumstances.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Forest are focused on bolstering their squad, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis prepared to invest in order to ‘build the strength in depth that will enable them to compete on multiple fronts’, according to The Athletic.
In fact, the Reds are already active in the transfer window. Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday evening that Forest have completed a triple signing from Brazilian outfit Botafogo, bringing in Igor Jesus, Cuiabano, and Jair Cunha.
Igor Jesus is arguably the standout signing. The 24-year-old forward, who registered seven goals and one assist in 24 appearances last season, has been labelled “a wonderful player” by respected South American football journalist Tim Vickery.
Speaking to YouTube channel Football Smash, he said: “The jewel in the crown is a centre-forward, Igor Jesus. He’s everything you want from a centre-forward. He’s strong, he’s quick, he works the channels, he defends like a lion. He’s a very, very good player.”
Vickery also weighed in on both Cuiabano, a 23-year-old left-back who was previously on Brighton’s radar, and 20-year-old Jair Cunha, a central defender who featured 17 times across all competitions in 2024/25.
“Cuiabano is very athletic,” he said. “He’s left-footed, but a little bit limited. You could see him for Forest, that strength and speed on the counter when they go. You can see him being useful there, but he’s not the most subtle of players.
“The third one, the young centre-back, Jair, I don’t really see him. He’s a gangling figure. For me, he’s not strong enough in the air, and he’s off balance on the ground as well I’m always delighted to be wrong in these situations, but I don’t really see him coming off.”
Vickery added: “Igor Jesus, I think, is wonderful. A great acquisition for Forest and for the Premier League.”
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