Barcelona, Real Madrid stars react to Igor Jesus ahead of Nottingham Forest move
Igor Jesus has bid farewell to Brazilian side Botafogo ahead of his star-studded move to Nottingham Forest this summer.
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs via X, the Reds have completed a £16.8million transfer for the 24-year-old striker, with just the formal announcement remaining at the City Ground.
The Brazilian has already notched seven goals and one assist in 24 appearances in 2025, building on his 13 goal contributions from the 2024 campaign, providing plenty of excitement in England.
Chris Wood is bound to remain as Nuno Espirito Santo‘s first-choice striker, but at 33 years of age, Forest are clearly looking to find his successor despite scoring 20 goals in the Premier League this season.
Jesus appears to have said his final goodbyes before making the move to the City Ground, grabbing the attention of stars across the world.
Igor Jesus waves goodbye to Botafogo
Taking to Instagram (4 June), Jesus wrote: “Today, I will play my last match at the Nilton Santos Stadium, where I was very happy and always tried to do my best!
“I want to thank everyone for always supporting me and believing in me. I’m not saying goodbye, I’m saying see you later. I hope to one day return to this club that has become a part of my family and that I love so much!”
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Raphinha both liked the Brazilian’s post, as did Newcastle United‘s Bruno Guimaraes, Bournemouth’s Evanilson, and ex-Crystal Palace cult hero Yannick Bolasie.
Nuno Espirito Santo begins expected rebuild at Nottingham Forest
Football Insider verdict
Despite an exciting Premier League campaign at the City Ground, the Reds narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, causing the fanbase to split over the team’s achievements.
While Forest will be battling in Europe next season, they fell into the Europa Conference League on the final day of the Premier League season, which could lead to the exit of multiple key stars.
Football Insider understands that Arsenal have joined the race for Morgan Gibbs-White‘s signature, with Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Murillo being linked with exits.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Igor Jesus | 55 | 15 | 6 |
Tim Sherwood suggested that Forest could keep hold of Gibbs-White with Champions League qualification, though that was before the final-day defeat to Chelsea at the City Ground.
Several other players could follow the England international out the exit doors this summer, so while Jesus and two of his teammates could be exciting additions, more signings will be needed.
Espirito Santo is unlikely to replicate the 2024/25 campaign again without similar star players at his disposal, and it remains to be seen if Evangelos Marinakis will back him in the transfer window.