Nottingham Forest Eye Move for Brazil Star

Nottingham Forest are showing interest in a move for Flamengo defender Leo Ortiz, with a proposal expected in the next transfer window, according to Brazilian publication BolaVip.

The City Ground outfit have earmarked the Brazil international as a potential reinforcement to Ange Postecoglou’s defensive options, with Ortiz admired by several European clubs ahead of the market reopening in 2026.

The 29-year-old central defender is regarded as one of the best in his position in South America, and Flamengo are said to be aware that it will be difficult to retain his services in the future.

Forest have recruited a host of Brazilian stars in the past several months, with goalkeeper John Victor, defender Jair Cunha, and forward Igor Jesus joining this summer.

Jesus scored his first two goals in a Forest shirt on Wednesday during the club’s 3-2 EFL Cup third-round loss to Swansea.

Forest Could Make Leo Ortiz Offer

Ortiz has been heavily linked with a move away from Flamengo in recent months, with Serie A trio Napoli, Juventus, and Roma among those reportedly interested.

According to reports in Brazil, Bundesliga side RB Leipzig presented a concrete offer for Ortiz in July, but talks failed to progress, with Flamengo insisting they were not willing to entertain an exit at the time.

An experienced centre-back, Ortiz has spent his entire career in Brazil so far, amassing 150 appearances in Serie A to date, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists.

He joined Flamengo from RB Bragantino in March 2024 and is under contract until the summer of 2028.

Forest have started life under Postecoglou with consecutive losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.

The City Ground outfit were knocked out of the EFL Cup last week after a 3-2 loss to Swansea, which saw Postecoglou make several changes to his first-team squad, including handing debuts to summer signings John Victor and Douglas Luiz.

Forest next head to Burnley on Saturday, looking for their first Premier League win of the season before travelling to face Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday.