NafisaNottingham Forest have finalized a £30 million agreement for Botafogo’s Brazilian duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Jesus, the Brazilian international striker, and centre-back Cunha are slated to complete medicals later this month, or once Botafogo’s participation in the Club World Cup concludes. Both found the net in Botafogo’s 2-1 win against Seattle Sounders in their opening group match.
In a further lift for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is gearing up for Forest’s return to European competition, key players Neco Williams and Ola Aina are close to signing new contracts.
Williams and Aina each have one year remaining on their current agreements, but talks are progressing favorably, and a deal is considered a formality.
The decision to offer Wales international Williams better terms and extend Aina’s contract is a calculated move to preserve the core of Nuno’s team.
Williams was acquired from Liverpool for around £17 million after Forest’s promotion to the Premier League, and he has consistently shone, delivering arguably his strongest season in the last campaign.
Aina, the Nigeria international, has also proven a major success since arriving on a free transfer. Although he has activated an option to stay for another year, he is expected to commit to a long-term deal at the City Ground.
Forest are also focusing on new arrivals, and the signing of Jesus, 24, is viewed as a significant achievement.
There is also keen interest in Cuiabano, another Botafogo player. While the transfers of Jesus and Cunha are virtually assured, Brazilian sources indicate that a deal for Cuiabano is not as far along.
Brighton and Hove Albion have previously shown interest in the 22-year-old left-back, and while Forest remain optimistic about securing him, a transfer has not yet been finalized.
Forest earned their return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
Nuno is also aiming to recruit at least two wingers, a central midfielder, a left-back, and a backup goalkeeper.
Danilo and goalkeeper Matt Turner’s transfers to Lyon will gain momentum once the two Brazilians are officially signed.
Why Forest are strengthening squad while displaying ‘not for sale’ sign:
When Nuno Espirito Santo was questioned last season about the keys to Nottingham Forest’s success, he often highlighted the team’s unity.
With players like Murillo, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Anthony Elanga attracting attention from rival clubs, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has firmly declared them off-limits.
The future of England international Morgan Gibbs-White has been uncertain this summer, with Manchester City contemplating a bid before opting to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
Yet Marinakis is resolute in his vision to keep building for the future, and it will take substantial offers to even consider negotiations.
European football is where he believes Forest belong, and he wants next season’s ventures to become a regular occurrence.
Keeping the squad intact by offering players like Neco Williams and Ola Aina new contracts is another encouraging step as Forest aim for further advancement.
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