Cuiabano’s injury record leaves Nottingham Forest facing transfer problem

Nottingham Forest could face difficulties securing a permanent exit for Cuiabano, with Vasco da Gama reportedly concerned about the defender’s recurring physical problems.

The 22-year-old has spent the season back in Brazil and established himself as Vasco’s first-choice left-back when fit. According to Pedro Cobalea, the club are happy with Cuiabano’s technical performances and remain interested in signing him permanently.

The hesitation surrounds his availability.

Cuiabano has suffered several physical setbacks during 2026, including muscular problems which have forced him to miss matches.

That injury record is now being considered by Vasco before they decide whether to negotiate a permanent transfer with Forest.

His performances provide plenty of encouragement. Cuiabano has made 25 appearances this season, contributing one goal and five assists.

When available, he has established himself as an important player for Vasco. The question is whether the Brazilian club are comfortable investing permanently in someone who has struggled to remain consistently fit.

Those concerns are particularly relevant given Cuiabano’s experience in England.

The left-back never made a competitive appearance for Nottingham Forest after joining the club, with physical issues and a lack of fitness preventing him from breaking into the team.

Returning to Brazil has provided regular playing opportunities, but it has not completely removed those concerns.

Vasco are not the first club to examine Cuiabano’s physical condition.

Torino, Rennes and Strasbourg all contacted Forest and the player’s representatives during the summer while exploring potential deals.

Their enquiries covered transfer costs, Cuiabano’s personality and training data, but his physical condition was also specifically investigated.

None of those approaches eventually resulted in a transfer. There is no confirmation that fitness concerns caused those moves to collapse, but the same issue is now influencing Vasco’s thinking.

That creates an awkward situation for Forest. Cuiabano has demonstrated his ability during his loan spell, yet the injury problems which disrupted his time in England could still complicate the club’s attempts to find him a permanent home.

Vasco must decide whether Cuiabano’s performances outweigh the concerns surrounding his availability before pursuing a permanent agreement.

For Forest, a Vasco deal could provide a clear solution for a player who has struggled to establish himself in England, but recurring fitness doubts may influence negotiations and any potential transfer fee.