Brighton and Hove Albion are poised to disrupt Nottingham Forest’s transfer plans by targeting Botafogo’s promising left-back Cuiabano, according to Football Insider on June 30, 2025. Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, have been chasing the 22-year-old Brazilian as part of a triple raid on Botafogo, alongside striker Igor Jesus and centre-back Jair Cunha, to bolster their squad for their Europa Conference League debut. However, Brighton’s persistent interest, driven by the potential departure of Pervis Estupiñán, has intensified the race, with the Seagulls’ latest £7.7 million bid rejected as Botafogo demand £10-12 million. As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, heats up, Cuiabano’s future remains a focal point of Premier League transfer drama.
Brighton’s interest in Cuiabano aligns with their need for a left-back, as Football Insider highlights Pervis Estupiñán’s request to leave, with Manchester United and Tottenham linked. Fabian Hurzeler, facing potential exits of Evan Ferguson (to Forest or Fulham) and Georginio Rutter, sees Cuiabano as a long-term investment, similar to João Pedro, who moved from Fluminense for £30 million. The Mirror reported on June 21, 2025, that Brighton’s £7.7 million bid was their third attempt, underscoring their determination. An X post from @BrightonBubbleon June 20, 2025, confirmed Brighton’s intent to submit another offer, buoyed by their track record of developing young talents.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are rebuilding after a remarkable fifth-place finish, securing Europa Conference League football. Football Insider notes that Nuno Espírito Santo aims to retain key players like Neco Williams, who signed a new contract, but faces potential outgoings, including Anthony Elanga to Newcastle. The £30 million double deal for Jesus and Cunha, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on June 4, 2025, shows Forest’s ambition, but Cuiabano’s deal remains “pending,” per @FabrizioRomano. Nottinghamshire Live reported on June 29, 2025, that Forest are “very close” to signing Jair, but Brighton’s interest and Cuiabano’s preference complicate matters. Botafogo owner John Textor, also linked to Crystal Palace, clarified that only Jesus and Jair are confirmed for Forest, with Cuiabano’s future “undefined”.
Brighton fans are optimistic, with @BrightonBubbleon X stating, “Cuiabano would be a perfect fit for Hurzeler’s system. Get it done!”. Forest supporters, per@NFFCFans, are frustrated, with one post noting, “Losing Cuiabano to Brighton would be a blow after sealing Jesus and Jair”. Pundit Don Hutchison, on ESPN (March 29, 2025), praised Forest’s ambition but warned, “Brighton’s recruitment is ruthless. They’ll fight hard for Cuiabano”. The Daily Mail quoted Gary Lineker, who highlighted Brighton’s edge in developing young players, suggesting Cuiabano could thrive at the Amex. @fogaoneton X reported on June 5, 2025, that French outlet L’Équipe emphasized Brighton’s persistence, citing Textor’s negotiations with Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Brighton’s advantage lies in Cuiabano’s preference for their five-year contract offer and their reputation for nurturing talents like Moisés Caicedo, per O Globo. However, Botafogo’s £10-12 million valuation, compared to Brighton’s £7.7 million bid, remains a hurdle. Forest benefit from Marinakis’ relationship with Textor, who sold Moussa Niakhaté to Lyon, but their failure to finalize Cuiabano’s deal alongside Jesus and Jair weakens their position Nottinghamshire Live notes that Real Madrid’s interest in Jair could disrupt Forest’s plans, indirectly affecting Cuiabano’s transfer. Both clubs face time pressure, with Forest needing depth for Europe and Brighton requiring a left-back before their Premier League opener against Manchester United.
For Brighton, signing Cuiabano would address Estupiñán’s potential exit and bolster their squad for a top-six push, leveraging their analytical approach to maximize his potential. For Forest, losing Cuiabano would dent their Europa Conference League preparations, though securing Jesus and Jair mitigates the blow. Cuiabano’s versatility could see him compete with Ola Aina at Forest or replace Estupiñán at Brighton, but his preference for the Seagulls tilts the scales. Botafogo’s high valuation ensures a significant profit, potentially funding their pursuit of players like Bernardeschi, per O Globo.
As of June 30, 2025, Brighton’s bold move to hijack Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Botafogo’s Cuiabano, reported by Football Insider, has intensified a Premier League transfer battle. With Forest securing Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha for £30 million but faltering on Cuiabano, Brighton’s persistence—despite three rejected bids—positions them as favorites, especially with Cuiabano favoring their contract offer. As Botafogo hold out for £10-12 million and the transfer window progresses, the race for the 22-year-old’s signature will shape both clubs’ defensive depth for the 2025-26 season. Brighton’s ambition and Forest’s European aspirations hang in the balance as Cuiabano’s decision looms.