Could This Brazilian Be Nottingham Forest’s Next Big Signing?

Nottingham Forest had a phenomenal season in the Premier League, going from a team battling at the bottom of the table to fighting for European qualification.

Under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Reds went on to finish in 7th spot despite flirting with the UEFA Champions League places at times in the season. Forest were rapid on the break – transitioning from defence to attack in the blink of an eye, and creativity was not a problem for the Nottinghamshire club.

With Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Callum Hudson Odoi in their attack – Forest had the perfect front three to place behind a striker, and that goal-scorer was Chris Wood.

Chris Wood is just the second Nottingham Forest player to score 20 Premier League goals in a season, after Stan Collymore's 22 in 1994-95.

His goal yesterday was also the #nffc striker's 100th Premier League goal involvement in his career. pic.twitter.com/BM8xqA8PvZ

— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) May 12, 2025

Considered a solid striker who had placed in the English top-flight for several years. Wood was not one of the leading candidates for the Golden Boot going into the season.

However, the New Zealand international exploded, having a career year for Forest, netting 20 goals in 36 Premier League appearances.

Wood was fantastic, and on the face of things, Espirito Santo’s side seemingly do not need a striker, but as teams continue to strengthen in the summer window – the UEFA Europa Conference League side look set to add a new Brazilian to their ranks.

But who is Igor Jesus, and what could he bring to Nottingham Forest?

Player Profile

IGOR JESUS 9️⃣9️⃣#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/FUiQRdU2H1

— Mundial de Clubes FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) June 20, 2025

Currently playing for Botafogo RJ in the Brazilian Serie A, Jesus began his footballing journey coming through the ranks for fellow Brazilian side Coritiba.

With Coritiba playing in Serie B, the forward had an impressive first season as a professional, netting five goals in 32 games in all competitions. However, Jesus’ season would have a tougher campaign as the attacker netted just two goals in 25 games, with no goals scored in the Brazilian top-flight, following Coritiba’s promotion to Serie A.

After a difficult campaign, the Brazilian departed the club, moving to the United Arab Emirates and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC. During his first year in the United Arab Emirates, Jesus averaged a goal every other game, totalling 12 goals and eight assists in 31 appearances.

Since leaving Dubai and returning to Brazil in July, Igor Jesus has:

-Won Botafogo's first-ever Copa Libertadores title

-Spurred Botafogo to their first league title since 1995

-Emerged as Brazil's starting center forward@tavaresnthl on Jesus' impact: https://t.co/EccbvzOuTK pic.twitter.com/AYQkWTj1Ea

— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) December 11, 2024

The attacker seemingly had re-found his mojo, but his campaign in 2021/22 was another step back as injury affected the striker’s game-time. Jesus made just six appearances in the Pro League, scoring two goals.

In his final two years at the club, Jesus converted a combined 20 goals in all competitions as he earned himself a move back to his homeland.

Jesus was now ready for the step up to Serie A, and Botafogo RJ would be the striker’s next destination – the former Coritiba man joining in 2024. In his debut campaign back in Brazil, Jesus netted eight goals and assisted five before scoring nine goals in his most recent season.

Igor Jesus scores on his Brazil debut and celebrated by hitting the Kamehameha 🇧🇷🐉 pic.twitter.com/BSLR5LPyZ9

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 11, 2024

Alongside his club career, Jesus has also had an encouraging start to his international career. Without recording any caps for Brazil at youth level, the striker has gone on to be capped on four occasions for the South American side at senior level, with Jesus finding the back of the net on his debut.

As a player, Jesus is a perfect hybrid between a modern and old-school striker – combining physicality and an endless work rate. The work rate of Jesus is one of his selling factors, chasing down ‘lost causes’ and often moving into the channels.

Last season, per 90, Jesus averaged 3.59 shots, 1.54 chances created, and 0.31 goals in Serie A. An aggressive and relentless attack, the 24-year-old is possibly not a direct and straight-forward replacement for Wood, but he could challenge and make an impact in Forest’s forward line.

Phenomenal At The Club World Cup

Two games. Two goals. Two MOTM awards.

Igor Jesus is a special talent ✨ pic.twitter.com/E2Ijy7XgkF

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 20, 2025

Due to playing outside of European football in the Brazilian leagues – Forest fans might not know how to judge the forward or what he could look like against top opposition. However, the FIFA Club World Cup has provided a perfect opportunity to see the potential impact of the goal-scorer in the Premier League.

Coming into the tournament, Botafogo were an underdog – facing top-class opponents in the group stages, such as PSG and Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, with three matches played, Jesus has been fantastic. Beginning their campaign against Seattle Sanders, Jesus provided the game’s decider – beautifully heading home and being awarded the Man of the Match award.

Igor Jesus delivers! 🇧🇷

South American champions Botafogo stun PSG with the opener 🚨🔥 pic.twitter.com/E3FS55a9oQ

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 20, 2025

Jesus backed up one superb performance with another, but this time against the current European champions PSG.

Facing elite talents like Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue, a result for the Brazilian side looked imposed, but Jesus would score the game’s only goal, winning all three points for Botafogo. The 24-year-old once again was handed Man of the Match, recording 50 touches, one successful dribble, and five clearances, alongside the fixture’s decisive goal.

Igor Jesus’ stats for Botafogo against Atletico Madrid

90 mins
22 passes
2 passes into final third
54 touches
4 touches in opposition box
2 chances created
100% SOT accuracy
2 fouls won

Another impressive showing from the Brazilian 🇧🇷#NFFC pic.twitter.com/4pJ7maxNZL

— Ethan Lamb (@ethanlamb01) June 23, 2025

Jesus had seemingly established himself on the world stage – proving that he was capable against elite opposition and enticing other teams for the forward’s signature.

In Botafogo’s final group stage game, the Serie A side were defeated 1-0 by a robust Atletico Madrid – Jesus kept quiet and recorded the least touches (54) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes.

Moving To Forest

🚨🔴 Nottingham Forest close to completing a £30m deal to sign Igor Jesus (24) and Jair Cunha (20) from Botafogo, reports @TeleFootball! 🇧🇷

Medicals are set to take place after the FIFA Club World Cup. 🩺👨‍⚕️ pic.twitter.com/RooE70coDt

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 20, 2025

Looking forward to the knockout stages, Jesus’ side will face Brazilian compatriots in Palmeiras, but with the possibility of being eliminated from the tournament looming, the forward looks to be edging closer to the City Ground.

Forest are reportedly set to be on the verge of completing a double deal for Jesus, alongside Jair Cunha, with medicals set to be undergone after the Club World Cup.

Moving to the Premier League will be difficult for the Brazilian, with game time not guaranteed, following Wood's outstanding season. However, after an excellent tournament in America and an exciting skillset – Jesus could be a great signing for Espirito Santo’s side.