Nottingham Forest have now made their position clear on Cuiabano, and that stance is already reshaping the market in Brazil.
According to ESPN, Forest want €10m (£8.6m) to sell the left-back and will only negotiate with Brazilian clubs on a permanent deal, not a loan.
That clarification tightens the picture. Forest may still consider a loan, but only within Evangelos Marinakis’ ownership network. In that scenario, Rio Ave or Olympiacos would take priority. For clubs in Brazil, the message is: pay the fee or step aside.
The firm stance has not reduced interest. Instead, it has widened. Alongside Botafogo and Vasco, Cruzeiro have now entered the picture. Brazilian outlet Central da Toca report that Cruzeiro are evaluating Cuiabano because they’re weighing up offers for their current left-backs.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continue to control the timeline. Cuiabano has been working with the club’s Under-21 side in January to build fitness and recently featured in a 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup.
For any of the Brazilian sides involved, a move for Cuiabano would depend on sales. Cruzeiro are actively dealing with interest from Como and Borussia Dortmund in their young full-backs. Vasco just received £20m (€24m) from the sale of Rayan to Bournemouth. Botafogo, on the other hand, is under a transfer ban, and should be considered out of contention.
But the broader pattern is now clear. Nottingham Forest have drawn a line. Loans to Brazil are off the table, the price is set, and Cuiabano is now a sell-only asset.
Funny enough, this clarity has attracted more suitors, turning what began as a two-club discussion into a wider Brazilian chase. All waiting to see who, if anyone, can meet Forest’s terms.
