Everyone assumed this deal had collapsed. Brazilian sources say the opposite is true — and Nottingham Forest have been quietly working behind the scenes the whole time
Just when it looked like Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Corinthians midfielder André Luiz had gone cold, fresh reports from Brazil suggest exactly the opposite has been happening — talks never actually stopped, and a January move is now taking real shape.
The Deal That Appeared to Have Died
Last week, the picture looked bleak. Corinthians executive Marcelo Paz revealed that Forest had submitted an offer of €12 million (£10.4m) for André Luiz on August 22, with no bonuses attached. Corinthians fired back a counteroffer within 90 minutes — and then, according to Paz, “nothing else came.”
With Forest then completing a separate €16m (£13.9m) deal for Gustavo Puerta, it seemed reasonable to assume the club had moved on entirely from their interest in the young Brazilian.
The Twist: Talks Never Actually Stopped
According to RTI Esporte, that assumption was wrong. Their sources claim negotiations between the two clubs have quietly continued in the days since, with genuine progress made toward finalising a deal — even with the English transfer window now firmly closed.
The key detail explaining how this is even possible is simple: Corinthians always intended to keep André Luiz until the end of the Brazilian season regardless of what happened in England. Forest had already agreed to that condition before the deadline passed, meaning there was never any urgency to rush a summer transfer through.
Why a January Move Was the Plan All Along
Speaking to CNN, Marcelo Paz confirmed the logic behind the approach directly:
“The idea is that he can be sold, but only delivered at the end of the year. The English window has closed. However, the talks took place independently of the window, with the possibility of André going in January. So this negotiation can still happen.”
Paz also acknowledged that a sale would provide Corinthians with financial relief that’s “important” to their overall budget — even while conceding it would represent a genuine sporting loss for the Brazilian club.
The Numbers Still Being Worked Out
According to RTI Esporte, Corinthians are seeking €17.3 million (£15m) guaranteed, plus a further €6.9 million (£6m) in potential bonuses — a total package that could reach €24.2 million (£21m).
Forest, meanwhile, are reportedly trying to negotiate that figure down and are still working through exactly how any bonus structure would be arranged. So while progress has genuinely been made, it’s important to note the finer financial details remain unresolved.
Why This Matters for Both Clubs
Corinthians own 70% of André Luiz’s economic rights and have real financial incentive to get this sale over the line — their 2026 budget projected around €24m (£20.8m) in transfer income that has yet to materialise from a major sale.
For Forest, patiently pursuing a January deal for a promising 20-year-old — rather than rushing a summer move — suggests a calculated, long-term approach to strengthening their midfield rather than panic-buying against a deadline.
What Happens Next
With both clubs still negotiating price and structure, nothing is signed and sealed just yet. But the message from Brazil is clear: this transfer saga is very much alive, and Forest fans could be looking at a fresh midfield addition arriving as soon as the new year.
