Flamengo monitoring Igor Jesus as Forest hold contract edge

Flamengo are monitoring Igor Jesus as a potential summer signing, but Nottingham Forest remain firmly in control of the situation.

Brazilian journalist Julio Miguel Neto reports that the 24-year-old striker has emerged on Flamengo’s radar. At this stage, however, there has been no formal approach to Forest. The situation is described in Brazil as observation rather than negotiation.

Igor Jesus only arrived at the City Ground in July 2025, signing a four-year contract that runs until 30 June 2029. Forest paid approximately €11.5 million (£10m) to bring him to the Premier League.

The forward is currently valued in Brazil at around €20m (£17m). A sale at that level would represent a significant profit in under 12 months for Forest, but there is no indication the club are under pressure to cash in.

Igor Jesus has not been an automatic starter this season, yet he has contributed goals and offered reliable depth in rotation. Having followed Forest’s squad management closely in recent weeks, his role has been more strategic than headline-grabbing. He provides energy, pressing intensity and flexibility across the frontline.

Flamengo, meanwhile, have been pursuing ambitious attacking targets. They explored moves for Richarlison and Evanilson earlier in the window, signalling a willingness to invest heavily in a leading striker.

Reports suggest the Brazilian club are prepared to spend up to €30m for a guaranteed first-choice forward. Igor Jesus, who scored 17 goals in 59 appearances for Botafogo before his move to England, fits their age profile and tactical criteria.

The decisive factor is control. Igor Jesus is under contract until 2029, giving Forest considerable leverage in any discussions. There has been no suggestion of financial strain or a need to sell.

Forest’s Premier League standing may influence external interest as the season progresses. Survival would strengthen their negotiating position further, though even in a more uncertain scenario, contractual security limits Flamengo’s bargaining power.

However, it remains too early to describe this as an active transfer pursuit. Interest exists, but concrete steps have not yet been taken.

This situation is likely to develop closer to the summer window. Any meaningful movement would depend on Flamengo’s striker priorities and Forest’s league position.

For now, Forest hold the contractual advantage and are under no obligation to entertain discussions. Unless a significant offer materialises, Igor Jesus is expected to remain part of their long-term plans.

Is this early groundwork for a summer move, or simply another case of Brazilian speculation gathering pace?