JC
Jair Cunha
Centre-Back / Brazil / Nottingham Forest
58 OVR
Profile
Key strength: Aerial dominance
Defensive anchor
As Nottingham Forest battle to escape the relegation zone in 17th place, a towering 1.98m Brazilian presence quietly waits in the wings. Jair Cunha, the 20-year-old centre-back signed from Brazil in July 2025 for a reported €13 million, represents Nuno Espírito Santo's long-term vision for defensive solidity. Despite his imposing physique and two-footed ability suggesting aerial dominance, Cunha has made just 3 appearances totaling 180 minutes this season—understandable given the fierce competition from established defenders Murillo and Nikola Milenković. With Forest's defensive frailties threatening their Premier League survival, Cunha's contract running until 2030 signals patience over panic. The young Brazilian offers a physical profile perfectly suited to English football, but his 40 rating suggests he's still acclimatizing to the pace and intensity of the top flight. As the Tricky Trees navigate a precarious campaign, Cunha remains a high-potential project—one whose exceptional height and defensive instincts could prove invaluable once he earns the manager's trust.