Forest show ‘concrete interest’ in the Championship leaders’ centre-back, as two Botafogo signings head for the exit

Nottingham Forest are already planning for January, with a centre-back from the Championship leaders on their list and two of their Brazilian signings edging towards the exit.

Nottingham Forest go into the international break in a far better mood after the 3-1 win over Manchester City, which lifted them out of the relegation zone and up to 16th.

Oliver Glasner has now had a few months to judge his squad after a quiet summer, and the first January names are starting to appear.

Who is Phil Neumann?

According to Sky Sport Deutschland, Forest have “concrete interest” in Phil Neumann, and a move in the new year is possible. Fiorentina are also keeping an eye on the 29-year-old German centre-back.

Neumann joined Birmingham City on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after leaving Hannover 96. He has started all 15 of their Championship games this season and scored twice, and Birmingham sit top of the table having conceded only 14 goals.

His contract runs until the end of the 2027-28 season, and he is valued at around €5-10m (£4-8m). Birmingham are not expected to want to sell in the middle of a promotion push, so Forest would need a serious offer to change their minds.

Where would he fit at the City Ground?

That is the big question. Forest already have four senior centre-backs in Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Ousmane Diomande and Jair Cunha, and Ola Aina has shown he can cover there too.

Neumann would be swapping a starting place at the top of the Championship for a fight to get into the team. He also does not fit the profile Forest have gone for in recent windows, when they have mostly signed younger players they could sell on for more.

Vasco circle two Botafogo signings

There could be some movement the other way too, with Vasco da Gama interested in two of the four players Forest signed from Botafogo in 2025.

Cuiabano

The left-back is on loan at Vasco, has played 36 matches for them this season and wants to stay beyond December. Reports in Brazil say Vasco have offered €6-7m to keep him, which is below the €10m purchase option agreed when the loan was set up. Forest have not yet replied.

John Victor

The goalkeeper arrived at the City Ground in August 2025 after winning the Brazilian league and the Copa Libertadores with Botafogo. He has made only nine appearances since and has not played a minute this season.

He has now told Forest he wants to leave in January, and the club are asking for at least €5m before they will talk about a sale. Vasco have already spoken to his representatives.

The Kalimuendo situation shows Forest are not always quick to let players go in the middle of a season, but neither of these two is part of Glasner’s plans.

Should Forest sign Phil Neumann?

Only if someone leaves. Forest already have four senior centre-backs, and a 29-year-old who has spent this season in the Championship would be a gamble at any price, even a modest one.

The Brazilian deals make more sense right now. Cuiabano and John Victor are not going to play for Forest, and getting back something like €11-12m for the pair would give Glasner more to spend in January. If that money then goes on a defender, Neumann is a cheap, proven Championship option, but we would rather see it spent on the final third, where Forest’s chances have so often gone to waste.