Igor Jesus is set to make the switch to Nottingham Forest this summer.
Jesus has already said his goodbyes to Botafogo, posting a heartwarming message after playing what he described as his “last match” at his side’s home stadium.
He will remain with Botafogo until after the Club World Cup, following which he’s expected to make the move to Nottingham Forest and the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of the transfer to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, the forward has also revealed that he is up for the challenge.
‘I’m prepared’ – Igor Jesus on the Premier League challenge
As reported by Globo Esporte, who Igor Jesus was speaking to prior to the Club World Cup, the Brazilian said: “I think I have matured a lot [at Botafogo], not only as a person but as a player.
“In Saudi Arabia,” where Jesus played before making the switch to his home country, “the players had quality, but in Brazil the pace and level are different. This ends up making you improve your quality and your work even more.”
The 24-year-old continued: “I leave here as a more experienced player. I’m sure it’ll help me a lot in Europe. If I had left here at 19, 20 years old, I think I would be nervous about playing in a league like the Premier League.”
It was here Jesus made comments that should be music to the ears of the City Ground faithful, stating: “Today, I’m prepared, and I’ll be happy. I have to do what I know, my best, like I do here at Botafogo.”
How Nottingham Forest fans can watch Igor Jesus in action at the Club World Cup
As reported exclusively by Nottingham Forest News, all signs point to Jesus sealing his Forest move at the conclusion of the Club World Cup, or once Botafogo get knocked out.
That tournament nonetheless provides the perfect opportunity for Nottingham Forest fans to get a good look at their new striker before the transfer is confirmed.
Botafogo kick off their tournament with a game against US side Seattle Sounders in the early hours of the morning of Monday 16th.
| Match | Date | UK time kick-off |
| Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders | Monday 16th June | 3am |
| Botafogo vs PSG | Friday 20th June | 2am |
| Botafogo vs Atletico Madrid | Monday 23rd June | 8pm |
From there, they play two of Europe’s elite, going up against current Champions League holders PSG on Friday 20th and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on Monday 23rd.
All matches will be shown in the UK by streaming platform Dazn, for which a subscription fee will need to be paid. 23 of the competition’s games will also be broadcast live on the free-to-air Channel 5.
Seeing Jesus compete against some of the world’s best defenders could therefore whet the appetite of Reds fans ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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