Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus did not want to leave Botafogo before his move to the Premier League in 2025, according to his agent Jefferson Batista.
The 25-year-old joined Forest after helping Botafogo win the Brazilian league title and Copa Libertadores in 2024.
However, Batista has revealed that the player's representatives asked to extend his stay in Brazil, while also accusing Botafogo of failing to settle outstanding payments.
The comments come amid reported interest from Flamengo and Botafogo ahead of January.
Agent reveals Botafogo exit frustration and payment dispute
Speaking on Band's Os Donos da Bola, Batista insisted that Jesus' departure was not the player's preferred outcome.
"We asked to stay. At that moment, our request wasn't accepted," he said.
Batista explained that he had hoped Jesus would become an even more influential figure following the departures of Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique.
His proposed plans reportedly included a new contract and the captaincy, with a future move to Real Madrid among the longer-term ambitions.
However, negotiations between Botafogo and Nottingham Forest ultimately resulted in the striker's departure.
Batista also alleged that Botafogo had failed to pay everything owed to Jesus.
"Botafogo has not paid the player in full," he said.
He added that attempts to resolve the matter had been unsuccessful and that Jesus had avoided legal proceedings because of his affection for the club.
Brazilian reports identify approximately R$17.3 million in claims involving the striker and his image-rights company.
Those financial claims remain a dispute rather than an independently established finding of wrongdoing.
Nottingham Forest future amid Brazilian transfer interest
Jesus scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 59 Botafogo appearances.
He also scored the winner against Paris Saint-Germain at the 2025 Club World Cup before completing his move to England.
Flamengo and Botafogo have shown interest in bringing him back to Brazil.
However, Forest reportedly value the striker at approximately €40 million (£33.4 million), while his current preference is to remain in the Premier League.
Batista has not ruled out a future return to Brazil, but suggested any move would need to offer a competitive project with ambitions of winning trophies.
No formal January agreement has been confirmed.
Key Points
- Batista says Jesus wanted to remain at Botafogo before joining Forest.
- The agent alleges outstanding payments and says the striker has avoided legal action.
- Forest reportedly value Jesus at €40 million, with a Brazilian return currently unlikely.
What's Next?
Interest in Jesus could develop ahead of January, but any move would depend on Forest's demands and the striker's willingness to leave the Premier League.
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