Nottingham Forest have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo in a deal worth approximately £10 million. The 24-year-old forward, who has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club, arrives at the City Ground following an impressive campaign with Botafogo, where he played a pivotal role in their Serie A and Copa Libertadores triumphs last season. The transfer, confirmed on July 5, 2025, marks Forest’s first major acquisition of the summer window as they prepare for a demanding season that includes Europa Conference League football.
Jesus, nicknamed “Little Frog,” caught the attention of European clubs with his standout performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored twice, including a decisive goal against Paris Saint-Germain. His dynamic displays, combining physicality, tactical awareness, and versatility, made him a prime target for Forest, who fended off interest from Arsenal and Fulham to secure his signature. The Brazilian international, who scored on his senior debut for Brazil against Chile in October 2024, is expected to provide competition and support for Forest’s leading scorer Chris Wood, who netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season.
“I’m really happy to be part of this new story, especially at a club like Nottingham Forest,” Jesus said in a statement on the club’s official website. “I didn’t have to think twice about the offer; I embraced it. I embraced the project they sent me, and I am delighted to be coming here and hope to do some great work.” His enthusiasm reflects the ambition of a Forest side looking to build on their seventh-place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Forest’s chief football officer, Ross Wilson, expressed confidence in Jesus’s ability to integrate into the squad. “We have tracked Igor over a long period of time now, and we are pleased he has now joined the club,” Wilson said. “Igor joins a strong and united squad, and we are sure he will settle well into our group.” The signing is seen as a statement of intent from Forest, who are keen to strengthen their squad for both domestic and European challenges.
Jesus’s journey to the Premier League has been one of steady progression. Starting his career at Coritiba, where he helped secure promotion to Serie A, he later moved to Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE, scoring 34 goals in 66 league appearances. His return to Brazil in July 2024 saw him excel at Botafogo, where he netted 17 goals and provided six assists in 59 matches during the 2024-25 season. His performances earned him a call-up to Brazil’s national team, where he also provided an assist in a World Cup qualifier against Peru.
South American football expert Tim Vickery praised Jesus, dubbing him “the modern-day Drogba” after his goal against PSG, highlighting his ability to combine physical presence with technical skill. Forest’s scouting department was particularly impressed by his versatility, noting his ability to play as a central striker or on the wing in various formations, including 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. This flexibility is expected to complement the tactical approach of manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who is overseeing a summer reshuffle that could see further signings, with Forest reportedly eyeing two more Botafogo players, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha.
The arrival of Jesus comes at a time of transition for Forest, with speculation surrounding the potential departure of winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United for a reported £55 million. The club is already considering PSV’s Johan Bakayoko as a possible replacement, signaling their ambition to maintain a competitive squad. Fans have welcomed Jesus’s arrival, with one supporter, Dermo, commenting on BBC Sport, “Great signing, with Jesus on our side how can we fail?” Another fan expressed optimism about the club’s direction, stating, “It’s a good sign of progress signing a player of this calibre, and if we continue as we have done in keeping the main squad together while making measured, well-thought-out signings, then this is going to be another good season.”