Before joining Nottingham Forest, striker Igor Jesus feels certain he is prepared for the demands of playing in the Premier League.
After the competition, the Brazilian, who is now playing for Botafogo in the Club World Cup in America, is anticipated to finalise a move to the City Ground. In addition to finalising deals for Jesus’ colleagues Jair Cunha and Cuiabano, the Reds hope to make it a triple swoop.
In January, Forest made an attempt to sign Jesus, but their estimated £30 million offer was rejected because the frontman believed that staying put would benefit his career more. A few months later, he feels more prepared to challenge himself in English football.
I wanted to compete in this competition (the Club World Cup), therefore I didn’t depart at the beginning of the year. “I’m here body and soul today,” he said to the Brazilian newspaper Globo.
“I’m confident that I’ll do everything in my power to support this team and my teammates. I feel compelled to do this.
“Competing in a major competition like the Club Cup and experiencing a unique period in our career has been an amazing experience. We are aware of its significance.
Jesus added: “I think I have matured a lot here (at Botafogo), not only as a person but as a player.” Jesus joined Botafogo a year ago following a stint with Dubai’s Shabab Al Ahli. The players in Saudi Arabia were of high calibre, but the level and pace differ in Brazil. This ultimately causes you to further enhance the calibre of your work. I’m a seasoned gamer when I depart. It will undoubtedly be very beneficial to me in Europe.
“I believe I would have been anxious about playing in a league like the Premier League if I had left here when I was 19 or 20 years old. I’m ready and I’ll be content today. I must do what I know, as best I can.
According to reports from Brazil, Jesus is expected to sign a five-year contract with Forest. RTI Esporte claims that his contract will last for four years and that there is “no chance” that any of the parties will “review” the agreement.
According to reports, Jesus is eager for “a calm and stress-free” exit from Botafogo because of “respect” for the team’s supporters. According to reports, he wishes to leave the possibility of a future comeback to the Brazilian team open.
After competing in the Club World Cup, he is anticipated to stay in the US for a few days before travelling to the UK to formally finalise his transfer to the Reds. According to reports, the 24-year-old’s contract with Botafogo includes a sell-on clause, raising his total fee to around €20 million (£17 million).
