Nottingham Forest has officially clarified its stance on the future of Cuiabano, a move that is currently transforming the transfer landscape in Brazil.
According to reports from ESPN, the Reds have placed a €10m (£8.6m) price tag on the left-back. Crucially, the club has signaled that they will only entertain permanent transfers for Brazilian suitors, effectively ending any hopes of a loan deal back to his home country.
A Restricted Loan Path
Forest’s firm position provides much-needed clarity for interested parties. While a loan move isn’t entirely off the table, the club will reportedly only consider such an arrangement within Evangelos Marinakis’ own multi-club network. This means that if Cuiabano were to leave on a temporary basis, Greek giants Olympiacos or Portuguese side Rio Ave would be the only permitted destinations. For Brazilian teams, the directive is simple: meet the valuation or miss out.
Growing Interest Amidst Financial Shifts
Interestingly, Forest’s “sell-only” ultimatum has not deterred potential buyers; it has actually expanded the list of contenders. While Botafogo and Vasco da Gama have long been linked, Cruzeiro has now joined the race. Reports from Central da Toca suggest Cruzeiro is viewing Cuiabano as a primary replacement for their own defenders who are currently attracting European interest.
The Financial State of Play in Brazil:
- Vasco da Gama: Currently the most financially liquid of the group after securing a £20m (€24m) windfall from Bournemouth for the sale of Rayan.
- Cruzeiro: Their ability to move for Cuiabano depends on whether they finalize deals with Como or Borussia Dortmund for their current young full-backs.
- Botafogo: Despite their interest, a current transfer ban likely removes them from the running unless their legal situation changes.
Preparing for the Move
While the market heats up, Nottingham Forest is managing the player’s fitness behind the scenes. Cuiabano has been training and competing with the club’s Under-21 squad throughout January to ensure he is match-ready. He recently showcased his progress by participating in a 2-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup.
Ultimately, Nottingham Forest has seized control of the narrative. By drawing a line in the sand regarding loan deals and setting a firm price, they have turned a quiet inquiry into a competitive bidding war among Brazil’s top clubs.
