Sources: The real reason why Nottingham Forest haven’t announced Igor Jesus yet
Why Nottingham Forest Has Yet to Officially Announce Igor Jesus’ Arrival
Nottingham Forest fans have been eagerly awaiting the official confirmation of Igor Jesus’ signing, but the club has remained notably quiet since the initial news broke nearly two weeks ago. While the transfer was publicly confirmed by Forest, the formal announcement of Jesus joining the Reds has not yet been made, leaving supporters curious about the delay.
Jesus himself has seemingly moved on from his former club Botafogo, even bidding farewell to their fans ahead of their trip to the United States to participate in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup. Despite this, there has been little communication from Nottingham Forest regarding the completion of the transfer, fueling speculation among fans and media alike.
Reports have suggested that Forest secured Jesus for a fee of approximately £16.8 million—a figure that would represent a bargain given the player’s talent and potential. Jesus has had a productive 2025 campaign so far, netting seven goals, and is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Forest’s current forwards such as Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Reason Behind the Delay: Club World Cup Takes Priority
According to exclusive information shared with Nottingham Forest News by football insider Graeme Bailey, the delay in officially unveiling the signing is entirely strategic and amicable. Bailey explained that the club’s plan has always been to finalize and announce the transfer once Botafogo’s participation in the Club World Cup concludes.
“Botafogo’s involvement in the Club World Cup is the key reason behind the timing,” Bailey revealed. “It’s a common practice in football transfers nowadays. We saw a similar situation with Estavao moving from Palmeiras to Chelsea; he’s still playing for his former club during a major tournament. The same goes for Franco Mastantuono and others. These deals are agreed upon beforehand, but the players stay with their clubs for important competitions before joining their new teams.”
This means that although the deal is effectively done behind the scenes, Igor Jesus will remain with Botafogo through the Club World Cup, after which he will officially become part of the Nottingham Forest squad.
What This Means for Nottingham Forest’s Summer Plans
As the summer transfer window approaches, Nottingham Forest is expected to be particularly active in the market. Sources close to the club have indicated that several players will be brought in to strengthen the squad ahead of what could be a highly demanding season, especially with European football on the horizon.
At the same time, Forest will likely see a number of departures. Midfielder Lewis O’Brien, for example, has been linked with three EFL clubs keen on securing his signature. Meanwhile, the club faces the challenge of retaining key players amid external interest. Anthony Elanga, for instance, has attracted attention from Newcastle United, but with Forest placing a valuation around £60 million on the winger, it remains uncertain if a move will materialize.
The club’s management is keenly aware that bolstering squad depth is essential, not only to compete in the Premier League but also to handle the rigors of potential European fixtures. Igor Jesus is seen as a significant addition to this effort, bringing versatility and goal-scoring ability to the forward line.
Looking Ahead
With the transfer officially finalized in the near future, Nottingham Forest fans can look forward to welcoming Igor Jesus to the City Ground. His arrival will mark an important step in the club’s broader ambitions for the upcoming season, as they strive to build a competitive and well-rounded team. Meanwhile, Forest supporters can take reassurance that the delay in announcing the deal is purely tactical, ensuring all parties respect Botafogo’s commitment to the Club World Cup and that the transfer process unfolds smoothly.