Nottingham Forest Secure €35m Triple Signing from Botafog
Nottingham Forest have finalized a sensational triple transfer deal with Brazilian club Botafogo, securing the signatures of striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha, and left-back Cuiabano for a combined fee of approximately €35 million. The Premier League side, under the guidance of owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo, is bolstering its squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the trio set to join the City Ground after Botafogo’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup (June 15 – July 13, 2025). Documents are currently being exchanged, with Igor Jesus reportedly signing a five-year contract until 2030.
Igor Jesus, a 24-year-old Brazil international, headlines the deal with a €20 million fixed fee. The powerful striker, who scored 25 goals and provided seven assists in 2024 for Botafogo, has attracted interest from Arsenal and Fulham but opted for Forest after they offered a significant upfront payment. Jair Cunha, a 20-year-old central defender, is one of Brazil’s brightest defensive prospects, having kept six clean sheets in 10 league games for Botafogo this season. Cuiabano, a 22-year-old versatile left-back, brings dynamism with six goals and five assists in 51 appearances since joining Botafogo from Gremio in 2024.
The transfers, driven by negotiations between Marinakis and Botafogo owner John Textor, have sparked mixed reactions. While Forest fans are excited about the influx of talent to support their UEFA Conference League campaign, some Botafogo supporters are frustrated, fearing the loss of key players. Botafogo, however, is already planning replacements, with talks ongoing for striker Arthur Cabral. This ambitious move underscores Forest’s intent to strengthen their squad and compete at a higher level in the Premier League and beyond.
