Nottingham Forest defender 'gaining traction' as £15m transfer option

Benfica are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation of centre-back Jair Cunha at Nottingham Forest.

The Brazilian joined the Reds 12 months ago but found it tough to secure regular game time last season. After making his Premier League debut against Newcastle United in October, he had to wait until March to get another opportunity in English football’s top flight.

Jair made 15 appearances in all competitions for Forest last term - 11 as part of the starting XI. Although new head coach Oliver Glasner likes to play with a back three rather than a four, the 21-year-old has still been the subject of some speculation.

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Brazilian publication RTI Esporte have identified the Reds man as being among Benfica’s list of potential targets. The Portuguese side are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements as Antonio Silva is said to be close to a move to Bournemouth, and Jair’s name is “once again gaining traction” as an option.

Benfica have admired the player for some time, going back to his days with Santos before he joined Botafogo. When he left the latter for the City Ground in the summer of 2025, he continued to be “monitored” by the club.

Comfortable with the ball and able to initiate play from the back, Jair is seen as someone who “fits the profile” of defenders boss Marco Silva likes. Benfica believe they would be able to offer Jair more minutes than he is likely to get at Forest during the 2026/27 campaign.

RTI Esporte claim any potential fee for Jair could reach up to €18 million (£15m). Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama have also been linked with the youngster.

The Reds are hoping to add Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande to their rearguard ranks. In addition to Jair, Glasner also has Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato and Zach Abbott as central defensive options.

Jair has played 45 minutes in each of Forest’s first two pre-season friendlies. Against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, he played a key role in countryman Igor Jesus opening the scoring with a superb driving run forward.

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