‘Marinakis masterplan takes shape as Nottingham Forest agree £30m deal’
Nottingham Forest look to have kicked off their summer business with three new signings from Brazillian club Botafogo.
It has been widely reported that Igor Jesus, Cuiabano, and Jair Cunha will join the City Ground club for a combined fee of almost £30million.
Botafogo are owned by John Textor, who is also in control of Lyon – who are closing in on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Danilo.
Jesus plays as a striker, while Cuiabano and Cunha are defenders playing at left-back and centre-back respectively.
Everton‘s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has lifted the lid on what Forest’s plans may be for the three newcomers.
Brazil trio not expected to play big role at Nottingham Forest, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed he doesn’t expect any of the new signings to be part of the Nottingham Forest squad for next season.
Marinakis also owns Champions League side Olympiakos and Portuguese top-division outfit Rio Ave.
Wyness expects Jesus, Cuiabano and Cunha to be shipped out on loan to the Greek billionaire’s other sides.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s all about a deal between Textor and Marinakis to try and get some money into Eagle Football.
“Marinakis can see a deal, he’s a great sniffer of deals.
“I think he’s got three players on the cheap from Botafogo, I don’t think they’ll end up going into the Forest squad.
“They may go on loan to Marinakis’ Greek and Portuguese clubs, I don’t expect it to be a big Forest purchase.
“These deals are for the Marinakis group, and he’s in the process of building a very nice group.
“He’s another character and he’s seen the chance to get three talents at a reasonable cost with Textor needing the money. He’s cash-strapped.
“The Botafogo fans aren’t happy, which tells you that Marinakis has probably got the better of this deal.”
Liverpool star rejects Nottingham Forest move
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (31 May) that Harvey Elliott has rejected a potential move from Liverpool to Nottingham Forest.
It is believed Elliott does not want to join Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side as they do not suit his playing style.
Forest are renowned for their counter-attacking style and deep defensive block, while Elliott sees himself as being better suited to a more possession-based team.
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