Who is Botafogo’s Igor Jesus? Set to join Nottingham Forest in club’s triple Brazilian raid.

Brazil, a country synonymous with the beautiful game, remains one of the world’s most prolific talent breeding grounds. In recent years, players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have left South America to dominate European football. Many young stars are switching continents as teenagers, such as the aforementioned duo, Endrick to Real Madrid last summer, and Estêvão from Palmeiras to Chelsea in July. Botafogo striker Igor Jesus is attracting attention as a potential transfer from Rio De Janeiro to Notthinghamshire. And two of his friends could join him.
Nottingham Forest are reportedly in talks with Brazilian club Botafogo to sign striker Igor Jesus, left-back Cuiabano, and centre-back Jair Cunha. Arsenal reportedly rejected a bid for striker Jesus in January, and the Brazil international is gaining popularity. Thiago Rabelo, a renowned Brazilian journalist and Transfermarkt employee, tells us more about Jesus’ journey thus far: “Jesus was a very interesting surprise in Brazilian football in 2024. Many fans in the country were unfamiliar with him because he was transferred to Shabab Al-Ahli so early on. He had a promising start to his career with Coritiba in 2020, but was quickly sold to Arabian football for €2 million. So, could Jesus’ unorthodox journey continue to the Premier League, and what type of player would the English top flight gain?

What kind of player is Igor Jesus?

So, what characteristics might Jesus bring to the Premier League? Rabelo explains further: “Igor Jesus is a versatile center-forward. He is not a strong player and spends all of his time in the box. He enjoys getting out wide and can play on the wings of the pitch while a teammate infiltrates the centre.” This assessment reminds me of Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, who is also known for drifting out wide and creating opportunities.

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Player Comparison: Igor Jesus