Igor Jesus breaks silence on why he didn’t join Nottingham Forest in January despite strong interest

Add as preferred source on Google

All signs point to Brazilian striker Igor Jesus making a permanent switch to Nottingham Forest this summer.

Forest have agreed a fee for Jesus with Botafogo, with Jesus himself saying he is prepared for the move to England as well.

Interestingly, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were interested in bringing the striker to the City Ground in January to help with their Champions League push.

Unfortunately for Reds fans, however, that deal couldn’t be finalised, with Jesus since revealing why.

Igor Jesus says he didn’t join Nottingham Forest in January because he wanted to play in the Club World Cup

Botafogo are competing in the newly revised Club World Cup over the summer.

Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s opening game against US outfit Seattle Sounders, as reported by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, the 24-year-old revealed that his desire to play in that competition was the reason behind his staying put in Brazil.

Jesus said: “I didn’t leave [in January] because I wanted to play in this competition [the Club World Cup]. Today, I’m here [for Botafogo] body and soul.”

The Brazilian continued: “I’m sure I’ll do my best to help this club and my teammates in the best way possible. I feel the need to do so.”

Had Igor Jesus made the move to Nottingham in the winter window, it would have taken the load off Chris Wood, potentially stopping Nottingham Forest’s dip in form that occurred towards the end of the season.

His reasons for staying in his native country are nonetheless commendable, and his attitude when discussing how he is approaching his final games for his side is exactly what is needed for the Reds next season.

Other forwards Nottingham Forest are interested in as they prepare for the demands of European football

The signing of Jesus is an excellent start to the club’s summer.

With Europa Conference League football set to place increased demands on the Forest first-team squad next season, though, more quality must be brought through the door.

Positively, Nottingham Forest are keen on Lucas Cepeda, the Chile winger currently playing for Colo-Colo in his home country.

Closer to home, Espirito Santo’s side have been linked with Nico Gonzalez from Juventus, while Norwich’s Borja Sainz is another name that has been mentioned.

If Forest can add quality and squad depth while keeping attacking stars such as Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White, it could be a very exciting summer indeed.