Nottingham Forest’s battle to remain in the Premier League could have major consequences for several members of the squad — and Igor Jesus is increasingly being viewed as one of the players whose future hangs in the balance.

The Brazilian striker arrived at the City Ground with promise and expectation following a £10million move, but his first season in English football has yet to ignite. With Forest scrapping for survival and goals in short supply, questions are now being asked about whether the 25-year-old will still be part of the club’s plans next term.

Struggles in front of goal

Goals have been a persistent problem for Forest throughout the campaign. Somewhat surprisingly, attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White currently leads the club’s Premier League scoring charts with seven goals — a statistic that underlines the lack of cutting edge up front.

The absence of Chris Wood through injury has not helped matters. Wood’s physical presence and proven Premier League pedigree have been sorely missed, forcing head coach Vítor Pereira to rely more heavily on Jesus to spearhead the attack.

While Jesus has become a regular starter in recent weeks, the return has been modest. Two league goals is not the output Forest would have hoped for when investing eight figures in a striker expected to ease their attacking burden.

There have been flashes of intelligent movement and willingness to press from the front, but consistency has proven elusive. In a relegation scrap where fine margins decide survival, strikers are judged on decisive moments — and Forest have not had enough of them.

Summer uncertainty growing

Reports linking Jesus with a move back to Brazil have only added to the sense of uncertainty. Forest are believed to be open to recouping much, if not all, of their £10million outlay should a suitable offer arrive in the summer.

Much may depend on which division the club are playing in next season.

If Forest retain their Premier League status, Pereira and the recruitment team will likely reassess their attacking options with a view to adding greater firepower. If relegation occurs, financial realities could force sales, and players with market value — including Jesus — may be moved on to balance the books.

In either scenario, his position does not appear guaranteed.

A crucial run-in

For now, though, speculation must take a back seat. Forest’s immediate priority is survival, and Jesus remains central to that mission.

With 10 games remaining, there is still time for him to change the narrative. A strong run of form in the closing weeks could not only secure valuable points but also re-establish his standing within the squad. Strikers often thrive on confidence; one goal can quickly become three or four if momentum builds.

Pereira will be desperate for that spark. The Portuguese coach has already spoken about the importance of resilience and belief during this testing period. He knows Forest cannot rely solely on Gibbs-White for goals, nor can they afford continued wastefulness in front of goal.

Jesus has the physical attributes and experience to succeed. The question is whether he can translate that into the kind of decisive contributions that define Premier League forwards.

Bigger picture at the City Ground

Forest’s predicament is not solely down to one player. Defensive lapses, midfield inconsistency and fixture congestion have all contributed to their precarious position. However, in tight contests, the ability to convert chances often proves the difference between safety and relegation.

That reality places additional scrutiny on Jesus.

The Premier League demands ruthlessness. Strikers are measured by numbers, not potential. Two goals in a survival campaign inevitably fuels debate — particularly when supporters know changes could be coming in the summer.

What happens next?

The coming weeks will be pivotal.

If Jesus finds form and plays a key role in preserving Forest’s top-flight status, talk of an exit may quickly fade. Success breeds continuity. But if struggles continue and the club falls short of its objectives, a parting of ways could suit both parties.

For Nottingham Forest, the equation is simple: survival first, decisions later.

For Igor Jesus, the message is equally clear. The next 10 matches represent not just a fight for the club’s future — but potentially his own at the City Ground.