Nottingham Forest continue André Luiz talks as January transfer plan takes shape

Nottingham Forest remain in negotiations to sign Corinthians midfielder André Luiz despite the closure of the English transfer window, with a January move now being worked on.

Forest appeared to have cooled their interest after making a €12million (£10.4m) offer in August and subsequently signing Gustavo Puerta for €16m (£13.9m).

However, fresh information from Brazil claims discussions have continued behind the scenes and progress has been made between the clubs.

According to RTI Esporte, Forest have accepted Corinthians’ key demand that André remains in Brazil until the end of the domestic season before moving to England in January.

Corinthians executive Marcelo Paz previously revealed that Forest submitted their opening €12m proposal on August 22.

The Brazilian club responded with a counteroffer less than 90 minutes later, but Paz initially claimed there had been no further contact.

Forest’s deadline-day business subsequently created further uncertainty around André’s future, but the latest report suggests negotiations never completely stopped.

Instead, both clubs have continued working towards a deal that would see the 20-year-old complete the Brazilian season before joining Forest in January.

“The idea is that he can be sold, but only delivered at the end of the year,” Paz explained.

“The English window has closed. However, the talks took place independently of the window, with the possibility of André going in January. So this negotiation can still happen.”

The major obstacle remains the transfer fee.

Corinthians reportedly want €17.3m (£15m) guaranteed plus another €6.9m (£6m) in potential bonuses, taking the complete package to €24.2m (£21m).

Forest are attempting to reduce the guaranteed amount while negotiations are also continuing over the structure and conditions attached to the bonuses.

Therefore, despite reported progress, there is no suggestion yet that a final transfer agreement has been reached.

Corinthians own 70 per cent of André’s economic rights and have financial motivation to complete a major sale. Their 2026 budget included approximately €24m (£20.8m) in anticipated transfer income, a target they have yet to satisfy through a significant outgoing deal.

For Forest, the important development is that their pursuit has survived both the transfer deadline and the arrival of Puerta.

Rather than disappearing, negotiations have simply shifted towards securing André ahead of the January transfer window.

Forest and Corinthians can continue negotiating without immediate deadline pressure because André would not move until January. The next major step will be finding an agreement on the guaranteed fee and bonuses. Corinthians’ need to generate transfer income could strengthen Forest’s negotiating position over the coming months.