Nottingham Forest have another decision building around Cuiabano, with three Saudi Arabian clubs now looking at a possible January move for the left-back.
The 22-year-old remains on loan at Vasco da Gama, where his preference is already clear. He wants to stay in Rio de Janeiro for 2027, either permanently or through another loan.
That could leave Forest balancing what the player wants against new interest from Saudi Arabia when the market opens again.
Three Saudi clubs waiting on Forest
According to Globo Esporte, three unnamed Saudi clubs have made enquiries about Cuiabano and are monitoring his situation ahead of the winter window.
An intermediary who regularly works on deals between Brazilian and Saudi clubs watched the defender in Vasco’s last two matches.
The interested sides are now trying to understand what Nottingham Forest plan to do with Cuiabano. They could then make their moves between December and January.
That gives Forest another potential route for a player who hasn’t made a competitive appearance for them.
There was interest from Torino, Rennes and Strasbourg earlier in the year. All three made enquiries, although those approaches ultimately went nowhere before the European windows closed.
This time, the Saudi interest is being lined up several months before January.
Cuiabano wants to stay in Rio
Cuiabano has a different preference though. Globo Esporte says his priority is to remain at Vasco da Gama in 2027. He’s open to either another loan or a permanent transfer.
He’s fully settled in Rio de Janeiro and his family don’t want to leave the city. Vasco president Pedrinho has also personally told Cuiabano that keeping him is one of the club’s priorities.
There’s already a mechanism for that to happen. Vasco have a €10m (£8.7m) purchase option as part of the current loan agreement, although they haven’t yet decided to trigger it.
His physical record has been one of the issues they’ve had to consider. Cuiabano spent around a month out with medical problems during the second half of the season.
Lucas Piton took advantage and performed well in his absence. Once Cuiabano recovered, though, he won his starting place back and has again been playing regularly.
Vasco remain convinced by his quality
That spell on the sidelines hasn’t changed Vasco’s opinion of Cuiabano as a player. He made an immediate impact after arriving. Now he has completed 25 appearances this season, with one goal and five assists.
The club’s football department rate him highly. They believe he is already capable of performing at a high level in Série A, while still having plenty of room to develop.
His physical strength and technical ability are particularly valued, and Vasco are very happy with the options they currently have at left-back.
So Forest could head towards January with a few different possibilities to consider.
