Nottingham Forest were chasing Botafogo’s Igor Jesus for over a month but weren’t able to secure his services in the winter market.
On January 27th, we covered claims from Brazil which stated Forest had made a €30m bid and Botafogo found it interesting. The negotiations didn’t progress because the striker wasn’t keen on joining Nottingham Forest.
Fast forward to March and Globo Esporte points out the 24-year-old ‘said no’ to a €30m offer from Nottingham Forest.
Globo also had a chat with the player, and he explained what convinced him to turn down Nuno Espírito Santo’s side to continue at the Brazilian club.
Jesus spent four years at Shabab Al-Ahli Club before leaving them as a free agent. This allowed Botafogo to acquire his signature for free last summer and he’s impressed for them so far.
The frontman has scored nine goals and registered five assists from 39 games so far and won the league and Copa Libertadores with Botafogo last year.
Botafogo have qualified for summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, and Jesus wants to play in this competition. This is one of the reasons he snubbed Nottingham Forest.
“Everything has a purpose. I arrived at Botafogo in the middle of the season and had some very good moments,” he said.
“I think the feeling I created within the club is surreal, especially because I had some good times, not only here at the club, but with my family. I think they are all happy with what I have done and what the club has given me.
“So, I think I could stay here a little longer, especially because there is a Club World Cup that I want to play in.”
