League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Transactions

Nottingham Forest targets Brazilian talent under Wilson's strategy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 8:49 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Nottingham Forest targets Brazilian talent under Wilson's strategy

Summary

Nottingham Forest has signed 14 Brazilian players since Leo Bonatini joined the club in 2019, showing a commitment to South American talent. This strategy is credited to former chief executive Ross Wilson, who had significant contacts in Brazil. On BBC Radio Nottingham, commentator Jon Cotterill noted that this focus on Brazilian players has evolved, allowing clubs at various levels to recruit from South America more easily. As of now, Forest's Premier League squad includes four Brazilian players, with additional Brazilian talent on loan elsewhere.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Forest's first Brazilian signing was Leo Bonatini in 2019.
•Ross Wilson played a key role in expanding recruitment from South America.
•The club currently has four Brazilian players in its squad.
•Talents include John Victor, Murillo, Jair Cunha, and Igor Jesus.
•The market for South American players has become more accessible.

Latest Updates

8:49 AMYahoo Sports — Wilson kickstarted Brazil strategy

What they're saying

"
Since Leo Bonatini became Nottingham Forest's first ever Brazilian to join the club in 2019, the Reds have remarkably signed 14 players from the football-famous country. In a competitive market where clubs aim to identify a bright new spark - Forest have targeted South America continuously since Bonatini's arrival. On BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, football commentator, scout and author Jon Cotterill, who is based in South America, gave an insight into why the Garibaldis target Brazilian players.
— Yahoo Sports

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