Nottingham Forest have been working on signing Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been in direct talks with John Textor, the Brazilian club’s majority shareholder, to seals deals for trio.
Two days ago, we covered claims from Brazil that Jesus’ agent has received all the necessary documents from Nottingham Forest. It was said the striker will sign a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
On Wednesday [Brazilian time], the 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Botafogo’s win over Ceará SC. That will be his last appearance at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos, the South American club’s home stadium.
Igor Jesus will travel with Botafogo to the Club World Cup and then move to Nottingham Forest. After yesterday’s tie, the Brazilian appeared emotional as it was his last outing at home and afterwards he spoke to the local media, with ESPN Brazil relaying his comments.
The attacker confirmed he has the opportunity to join Nuno Espírito Santo’s side and doesn’t want to miss out on it. He joined Botafogo in July of last year and will soon leave them for Nottingham Forest.
“I really like this club; it’s a club that welcomed me with great affection. The decision I made is another dream I have of playing in a big league,” he said.
“When you get the chance to play in a big league like the Premier League, you can’t waste it because you don’t know when another opportunity will come along.
“I achieved the goals I had here at Botafogo, winning the Libertadores and the Brasileiro, two major championships. Now I hope to continue my journey in this new challenge in my life.
“Now I have the opportunity to play for Nottingham Forest, and I hope to have a great season there.”
According to ESPN, the English club will pay Botafogo €20m plus bonuses to secure his services. Their plan is for the South American to be a backup for Chris Wood.
He remains confident of succeeding in the Premier League.
“I think I have a bit of the characteristics of English football: contact and speed. I’ll do well there because I’m ready for this big challenge,” Jesus explained.
“We know it’s a new league, of course it’s different playing in the Premier League. The game has to be faster. I want to get there soon so I can adapt as quickly as possible and perform well there too.”
