Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo, who becomes the first addition of the summer for Nuno Espírito Santo.
Forest had looked at signing the striker in January, but Jesus rejected the move to Forest and Arsenal to stay in Brazil for a little longer.
However, Evangelos Marinakis hadn’t given up on signing the 24-year-old, with Forest entering advanced talks to sign Jesus at the end of the season.
Marinakis’ strong relationship with John Textor helped the negotiations move rapidly, with Forest now officially announcing the capture of Jesus.
Nottingham Forest sign Igor Jesus from Botafogo
Forest agreed a fee for Jesus to secure his services at the City Ground in a deal that has been announced through the club’s official channels.
The announcement on Forest’s website said: “Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the signing of Igor Jesus from Botafogo
“The 24-year-old striker has signed a four-year deal having just returned from the FIFA Club World Cup. Along the way to Botafogo qualifying for the knockout stages, the Brazilian scored twice in the tournament, including the winner against PSG, and was named Player of the Match in the team’s opening two fixtures.
“The versatile forward, who can operate as a central striker or from the wing, led the line for Botafogo as they lifted the Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles last season.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest welcomes Igor, who will join his new teammates in pre-season ahead of the new campaign.”
With Jesus’ move now official, Forest will now turn their attention to two of his former Botafogo teammates to complete the triple-swoop on the Brazilian side.
Nottingham Forest still want two more of Botafogo’s stars
In what would’ve been a unique transfer deal, Forest wanted Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Botafogo as well, but one of the deals isn’t as close to being completed.
At 20 years old, Jair is a centre-back who Forest will hope can have the same impact as Murillo, with the Brazilian pair potentially a partnership for the coming years.
Jair will join Forest imminently, after an agreement was finally reached after an impressive Club World Cup with Botafogo.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest News reported that Cuiabano looks less likely to sign for Forest, with other clubs looking at the left-back.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
