Did Nottingham Forest Secure Brazil's Jair Cunha on a Five-Year Deal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nottingham Forest signs Jair Cunha on a five-year deal.
- Jair recently performed well at the FIFA Club World Cup.
- He began his career at Santos and has experience in Brazil’s youth teams.
- Standing at 6ft 6, he brings significant height to the defense.
- The club has ambitious pre-season plans, including matches against AS Monaco and Fulham.
West Bridgford, July 11 (NationPress) Nottingham Forest has officially signed Brazilian defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo on a five-year deal, ensuring his presence at the City Ground until at least the summer of 2030. The 20-year-old defender joins the team fresh from the FIFA Club World Cup, where he reached the Round of 16 and scored during their opening match against the Seattle Sounders.
Jair began his football journey at Brazilian club Santos at just 10 years old, progressing through their youth system before breaking into the first team at 18 in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He made a total of 24 senior appearances for Santos before transferring to Botafogo in February 2025.
This towering central defender, standing at 6ft 6, has also represented Brazil at the youth level, earning eight caps for the Under-20 team and playing a pivotal role in their triumph at the U20 South America Championship earlier this year.
Jair played a crucial role in the tournament, missing only one game and completing the full 90 minutes in all eight matches, contributing to three clean sheets on the road to victory.
Forest’s Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Jair is a young talent who has demonstrated quality in Brazil, and we are thrilled to have secured his signature.
“His success in Brazil has set new ambitions as he transitions to the Premier League, and we are confident he will be warmly embraced by the squad here in Nottingham.
As part of their pre-season preparations, Nottingham Forest will face Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in Chesterfield, followed by a training camp in southern Portugal. Additionally, the Reds will participate in two more friendlies during this trip, taking on Estoril Praia and fellow Premier League team, Fulham.