- Transfer Market & Forest’s Summer Strategy
With Nuno Espírito Santo signing a fresh contract, Nottingham Forest’s ambitions are clear: transform European qualification into real silverware. Owner Evangelos Marinakis expects results, and the club’s recruitment — especially in defence — must back that up.
Forest have already sealed a double deal with Botafogo, signing Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha for around £30 million . A triple swoop including Cuiabano was anticipated, but that deal now seems fragile: insiders rate it a 50/50 chance .
A recent Guardian roundup noted all three moves were “in the pipeline,” but final details are “still missing,” with official medicals and paperwork delayed due to the Club World Cup calendar .
🧩 2. Cuiabano—Player Profile & Club Competition
📋 Bio & Stats
Full name: Luis Eduardo Soares da Silva, aka Cuiabano
Born: Feb 16, 2003 (22 years old) in Cuiabá, Brazil
Height: 1.79 m
Contract until: Dec 2027
Botafogo stats: ~50 appearances—6 goals, 5–6 assists; key contributor in Copa Libertadores & Brazilian Série A triumphs
Playing style: Pace, underlapping runs, whipped crosses; excels both as left-back and wing-back
💶 Transfer Interest
Brighton submitted offers around €5 million + add-ons (~£12 million) — rebuffed twice by Botafogo
Juventus reportedly offered €8 million in January, also rejected
Man Utd, Tottenham, Bournemouth have scouted him, with United reportedly exploring a €10–15 million valuation
Fenerbahce also in the mix and actively pursuing
Reports indicate Brighton plan to return with improved bids
This is a genuine transfer tug‑of‑war, with multiple clubs eyeing Cuiabano — and Forest are yet to secure exclusivity on the player.
🔍 3. Why Forest Need Cuiabano
🛡 Defensive Gaps
Harry Toffolo’s exit and Alex Moreno returning to Villa left Forest relying on Neco Williams, a right-footed makeshift at left-back—effective, but not ideal.
Without a specialist left-footer, Nuno’s tactical shape could be disrupted.
Murillo, though a star centre-back, won’t cover left-back gaps .
⚔️ Tactical Profile
Cuiabano offers attacking dynamism: overlaps, width, occasional goal threat.
His FBRef metrics show top percentiles for progressive carries, crosses, and disciplined defending .
Fits right into Nuno’s desired full-back style: energetic, versatile, and young.
Given the exodus and lack of natural options, the left-back spot is a glaring hole — one Cuiabano could fill perfectly.
🧾 4. Why the Deal Is Imperiled
Botafogo’s valuation is rising — rejected past offers, likely holding out for ≥€10 million (possibly up to €15 million) .
Cuiabano’s agents and the player himself are exploring interest from bigger clubs — multiple scouts are reported to be “advanced” in their approach .
Deadlines: the CWC commitments and pre-season planning could delay or jeopardize the transfer.
Unless Forest either increase their bid, offer a fast-tracked deal, or activate strong personal terms, they risk losing control.
📈 5. Alternatives — Who’s Next If Cuiabano Walks?
Forest shouldn’t rely on hope alone. Here’s a full comparison of top alternative targets:
Player Age Club Style & Fit Availability & Price
Omar Campos 21 Club América Quick, attacking full-back; similar youth profile; Liga MX to PL step-up; affordable Emerging target
Josh Doig 23 Sassuolo (ITA) Physically strong, tactically adept; Serie A experience; matured in Italy; could benefit from Sassuolo relegation Transfer more likely, higher fee
Fabiano Parisi 23 Fiorentina Defensively solid, compact; tactical understanding; less known but rising Italian talent Potential value, negotiable fee
Javi Galán 29 Atletico Madrid Experienced; reliable backup; immediate Premier League adaptation; short-term solution Lower cost, age-factor
Sergio Gómez 24 Manchester City Elite tech skills; mid-field flexibility; likely available due to depth at City Loan or lower resale value
While none match the Brazilian upside, these names present diverse options across youth/expertise/value axes.
📌 6. Recommended Plan for Forest
- Double-down on Cuiabano: increase the bid to meet Botafogo’s €10–15 million threshold, utilize Marinakis/Textor link for leverage.
- Begin rapid contingency: initiate talks for one or two of the alternative names immediately as plan B.
- Negotiate time-sensitive terms: pre-contract agreements or swift medical scheduling to beat other clubs.
- Communicate urgency internally: lock down wage demands and smooth agent details to ensure no stall from the player’s side.
⏳ 7. What Happens in the Next 2 Weeks
Botafogo wraps up CWC duties by July 13, per reports .
Key decisions (accepting Forest’s final bid or rejecting it) expected in that window.
Forest’s pre-season schedule will intensify; any delay could push potential new signings behind the curve in integration and fitness.
In summary, the Cuiabano situation is now at a critical juncture — still 50/50 whether Forest can land him. With sharp competition, rising valuation, and deal timing tight, Forest must act decisively. Given the strategic weight on left-back, failure to do so could force them into second-tier alternatives, risking squad balance and tactical intent.