Nottingham Forest have reportedly decided against pursuing Brazilian midfielder André Luiz in the January transfer window. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has chosen to walk away from the potential deal after months of intermittent interest.
The 20-year-old Corinthians talent had been on the club’s radar for some time. Scouts were impressed by his performances in Brazilian football, viewing him as a dynamic option for the midfield.
Yet the latest developments from Brazil confirm the move is now off the table. Forest and Marinakis ultimately preferred another path.
Summer Spending Sets the Scene for January Decisions
Having already invested more than £100million on new players for Oliver Glasner over the summer, Forest entered the new campaign with a significantly strengthened squad. Headline arrivals included Liam Delap, Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Munoz.
Those signings signalled clear ambition under Glasner’s leadership. The club’s hierarchy indicated that further funds would still be available in the new year if required.
André Luiz represented one possible target. Discussions had previously taken place during the summer window, when Forest tabled a €12million offer, equivalent to around £10.4million.
Corinthians rejected that bid and returned a counterproposal. Intermediaries became involved as both sides explored different financial structures.
Why the August Talks Failed to Deliver
Despite the back-and-forth, the summer window closed without an agreement. The gap in valuation proved difficult to bridge at that stage.
Brazilian reports later suggested the deal could be revived once the winter window opened. Optimism lingered among those close to the player that Forest might return with improved terms.
That hope has now been extinguished. The latest information from André Luiz’s homeland makes clear that Nottingham Forest have moved on.
According to the player’s agent, Diogo Silva, Forest and Marinakis ultimately “chose” Gustavo Puerta instead. The Colombian midfielder arrived for €16million, roughly £13.9million, from Spanish side Racing Santander.
Puerta’s Arrival and the Olympiacos Connection
Puerta did not remain at the City Ground for long. He was immediately loaned to Olympiacos, the Greek club also owned by Marinakis.
The multi-club model under Marinakis allows talent to be shared and developed across the group. Both Forest and Olympiacos had shown interest in André Luiz at various points.
Puerta occupies a similar midfield role to the Brazilian. That positional overlap appears to have been decisive in the final decision to walk away from further talks over André.
Silva’s comments leave little room for ambiguity. The agent directly links the collapse of the potential Forest move to the arrival of the Colombian.
Tactical Fit and Glasner’s Midfield Needs
Oliver Glasner has built a system that demands high energy and technical security in central areas. The Austrian coach’s side presses aggressively and transitions quickly.
André Luiz’s profile offered progressive passing and defensive intensity that could have complemented existing options. At 20 he still carries significant upside for long-term development.
Forest’s current midfield options have shown varying levels of consistency this season. Some players have adapted well to Glasner’s demands while others continue to adjust to the intensity of Premier League football.
The decision to prioritise Puerta, even if temporarily at Olympiacos, reflects a preference for immediate readiness and multi-club flexibility. Marinakis clearly values assets that can serve more than one team in his portfolio.
Forest’s Form and League Context
Nottingham Forest sit in a competitive mid-table position as the season progresses. Results have been mixed but the squad has demonstrated clear improvement in organisation under Glasner.
Recent performances have featured stronger defensive structures and more controlled possession phases. The summer recruits are beginning to settle into their roles.
Fans have noted greater intensity in midfield duels compared with previous campaigns. That progress makes any potential new arrival a matter of refinement rather than rescue.
The club’s standing leaves them well placed to assess January targets carefully. There is no sense of desperation driving decisions at this stage of the campaign.
Fan Reaction to the Brazilian Snub
Supporters have responded with a mixture of disappointment and pragmatism on social media. Many expressed regret at missing out on a highly rated young Brazilian talent.
Others pointed to the substantial summer outlay and the need for financial discipline. The preference for Puerta within the wider Marinakis network has sparked debate about squad priorities.
Some fans view the multi-club approach as a strength that allows Forest to access talent without permanent wage commitments. Others remain wary of players being moved between clubs at short notice.
The conversation has largely remained constructive. Most acknowledge that Glasner and the recruitment team are working within a clear strategic framework set by the owner.
Corinthians Looking Ahead
With the Forest interest now closed, Corinthians are seeking new offers for André Luiz. A move in January remains possible but sources suggest a summer 2027 departure is more realistic.
The player’s representatives continue to view England as an attractive destination. The Premier League is regarded as an ideal environment for the next stage of his development.
André’s performances in Brazil have maintained interest from several European clubs. His age and technical qualities ensure he will not lack suitors when the time is right.
For now the focus remains on consistent minutes at Corinthians. Regular first-team football will only enhance his market value further.
Marinakis’ Broader Strategy and Forest’s Next Steps
Evangelos Marinakis has shown a willingness to invest heavily when the right opportunities arise. The summer spending spree demonstrated that ambition clearly.
Yet he is equally prepared to walk away when valuations or alternative options no longer align. The André Luiz situation fits that pattern of decisive ownership.
Forest retain the financial capacity to act in January if specific needs emerge. Any new arrivals will likely be targeted rather than speculative.
Glasner’s preference for players who can adapt quickly to his tactical demands will remain central. The coaching staff continue to evaluate internal options alongside potential external additions.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
The decision removes one name from Forest’s shortlist but does not close the door on midfield reinforcement. Other profiles are almost certainly under consideration.
Supporters will watch closely for any fresh links as the winter window approaches. Transparency around recruitment has improved in recent seasons and that trend is expected to continue.
André Luiz’s path may yet cross with English football in the future. For the moment, however, Nottingham Forest have drawn a firm line under their interest.
The club’s focus returns to maximising the current squad’s potential. With Glasner’s system still evolving, every training session and match offers further insight into where genuine reinforcements may be required.
Looking Forward
Nottingham Forest’s transfer activity under Marinakis has rarely lacked drama. This latest U-turn continues that theme while underlining a more measured approach to winter business.
The preference for Gustavo Puerta within the wider group structure highlights how multi-club ownership shapes decision-making. Talent can be acquired and deployed with greater flexibility than traditional single-club models allow.
For André Luiz the rejection is temporary. At 20 he retains time on his side and a growing reputation that will attract fresh interest.
Forest, meanwhile, move forward with clarity. The summer investment has provided a solid platform and the January window will be used selectively if at all.
Supporters can expect continued ambition tempered by realism. That balance has defined recent recruitment and shows little sign of changing under the current ownership.
As the campaign unfolds, the true test will be on the pitch. Results and performances will dictate whether further midfield reinforcements become necessary before the season ends.
For now the Brazilian chapter is closed. Nottingham Forest have chosen a different route and the focus shifts firmly back to the present squad and the challenges ahead.