Offer made: Nottingham Forest bid to sign new “highly rated” Brazilian forward who Dortmund have been struggling to get

Nottingham Forest Make Offer for Highly-Rated Brazilian Talent Amid Busy Transfer Window

 

Nottingham Forest have stepped up their recruitment drive this summer with a formal bid for promising Brazilian forward Mateus Xavier—an 18-year-old prospect also attracting strong interest from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

 

A Busy Week at the City Ground

 

It’s been a whirlwind few days for Nottingham Forest both on and off the pitch. The club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the 2025/26 season while also closely monitoring developments regarding their European qualification status.

 

A significant outgoing has already been confirmed, with Swedish winger Anthony Elanga completing a high-profile switch to Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to £55 million. Meanwhile, midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White remains at the center of an ongoing transfer saga, with Tottenham Hotspur pushing hard to secure his services this summer.

 

Despite these headline-grabbing developments, the Midlands club is making quiet but purposeful moves in the market—especially in Brazil.

 

Jair Cunha Becomes Forest’s Latest Signing

 

One of Forest’s newest arrivals is towering central defender Jair Cunha, who has completed a move from Brazilian club Botafogo. Standing at 6ft 6in, the 20-year-old has caught the eye with his commanding presence and strong performances in South America.

 

His signing follows closely on the heels of fellow Brazilian striker Igor Jesus, also acquired from Botafogo earlier this summer. Both players are part of Forest’s broader effort to invest in emerging South American talent with long-term upside.

 

Speaking on Cunha’s arrival, Forest’s Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson expressed confidence in the player’s potential.

 

> “Jair is a young talent who has shown quality during his time in Brazil, and we are happy to have secured his signature,” Wilson stated. “He has flourished in his home country and now comes to the Premier League with new ambitions. We’re excited to welcome him to the group in Nottingham.”

 

 

 

Cunha has signed a long-term five-year deal and could play a prominent role in manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans for the upcoming season.

 

Forest Move for Santos Forward Mateus Xavier

 

Forest’s recruitment in Brazil may not stop there. According to fresh reports from the Brazilian media, relayed by Sport Witness, the club has now submitted an official offer for Mateus Xavier, an exciting young forward currently playing for Santos.

 

Xavier, just 18 years old, has been described as “highly rated” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango. Known for his versatility, the teenager is capable of operating as a left winger, right winger, or in a central attacking midfield role. He has already broken into the Santos senior squad, having made five appearances to date, while also impressing at youth level with 10 goals in 36 matches for the U20s.

 

His current contract with Santos runs until 2026, and while Forest are the first to make a formal offer, they face stiff competition. European clubs including Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven, and Zenit Saint Petersburg have all reportedly made enquiries about the player’s availability.

 

However, the Brazilian outfit are keen to hold on to their young star and have tabled a fresh contract offer in an attempt to ward off foreign interest. Xavier’s representatives are believed to be weighing up all options carefully, with a decision expected in the near future.

 

Building a Brazilian Core

 

If the deal for Xavier goes through, he would become the third Brazilian player to join Nottingham Forest this summer—signaling a clear strategy from the club to tap into one of the most talent-rich footballing nations in the world.

 

With an eye firmly on the future, Forest appear to be building a youthful and dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level, both domestically and potentially in European competitions.

 

While more twists and turns in the transfer window are inevitable, one thing is clear: Nottingham Forest mean business this summer—and their ambitions are only growing stronger.