Nottingham Forest loanee Cuiabano has made staying in Rio de Janeiro his priority, casting significant doubt over his future at the City Ground. The 23-year-old left-back is currently on loan at Vasco da Gama and is firmly against making a return to England at this stage of his career, with his family settled in Brazil and unwilling to leave, a factor central to his decision. Vasco president Pedrinho has personally told the player that keeping him is a club priority. Cuiabano has recorded one goal and five assists in 26 appearances for Vasco this season, though he also spent a month sidelined with medical problems.

Forest's transfer dilemma

Nottingham Forest paid just over £5m for the Brazilian defender a little over a year ago, but he has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club. His contract with Forest runs until 2029. As part of the current loan agreement, Vasco hold a purchase option valued at €10m, roughly £8.7m. The club's current Premier League position, where they sit 13th in the standings with five points from their opening five matches, adds context to their broader squad planning under Oliver Glasner. The team's next challenge is a home fixtures against Aston Villa, a match where they will be looking to improve upon a record of just one win so far this campaign.

Saudi interest persists

While Cuiabano's preference is clear, his form has attracted considerable attention from elsewhere. Three unnamed clubs from the Saudi Pro League have made formal enquiries about a potential transfer. Earlier interest from European sides like Torino and Rennes did not lead to a move. Despite the external interest, the player is reportedly open to re-joining Nottingham Forest, but not until the 2027 Brasileiro season, preferring to remain in Rio on either a permanent or temporary basis until then. This timeline complicates Forest's immediate plans, as they may need to assess other options within their squad or the transfer market to address the left-back position.

Cuiabano's final decision on his 2027 plans will determine whether Nottingham Forest look to activate the substantial purchase option during the current transfer window, a move that would bring a definitive end to his association with the Premier League club.

More detail at Globo Esporte