Nottingham Forest closing on triple transfer of Igor Jesus, Cuiabano, Jair Cunha from Botafogo

Nottingham Forest are close to finalising a deal to sign Igor Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha from Brazilian club Botafogo.

The three players are expected to join Forest as part of a summer rebuild ahead of their Europa Conference League campaign.

Jesus, a 24-year-old forward, has scored seven goals and registered one assist in 23 appearances this season.

Comfortable across the front line, he made his Brazil debut earlier this year and has since scored once in four senior appearances.

He only joined Botafogo in January 2024 from Shabab Al-Ahli, but is already set for another move.

Cuiabano, a 23-year-old left-back, has also caught the eye with two goals and three assists in 21 games since joining from Gremio last year. His ability to play as a left wing-back adds tactical flexibility.

Brighton & Hove Albion made two attempts to sign him earlier in the summer, but both offers were rejected. He remains under contract at Botafogo until 2027.

Jair Cunha completes the trio. The 20-year-old centre-back has become a regular in the Botafogo defence since his arrival from Santos in February.

He has also represented Brazil at junior level and is seen as a player with high potential.

The deals are advancing quickly, and Forest hope to reach a full agreement before the end of Botafogo’s match against Santos later today.

Forest qualified for European competition for the first time in 30 years after finishing seventh in the Premier League.

The club are now working to strengthen their squad ahead of a season that will involve both domestic and continental fixtures.

Botafogo are owned by John Textor, who also has stakes in Crystal Palace and Lyon through Eagle Football Holdings. That connection may have helped accelerate talks.

Forest’s interest in the South American market signals a more ambitious approach in the transfer window.

All three players are expected to join permanently, although their personal terms have yet to be disclosed.

If confirmed, the triple move would be one of Forest’s boldest statements since returning to the Premier League in 2022.