Botafogo goalkeeper linked with Old Trafford switch

Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United after a series of eye-catching displays at the FIFA Club World Cup put Europe’s elite on red alert. According to sources in Brazil and England, United scouts attended every minute of Botafogo’s campaign and returned to Carrington convinced the 27-year-old could provide genuine competition—or even a long-term replacement—for André Onana.

Why Manchester United are tracking the Botafogo goalkeeper

United’s recruitment department, led by new technical director Jason Wilcox, has prioritised adaptable, value-for-money signings in 2024. The Botafogo goalkeeper fits that brief. At 1.93 m he dominates his box, but what impressed United analysts most were his sweeper-keeper instincts: an 89 percent pass-completion rate under pressure and a willingness to launch quick counters with either foot. In Qatar he averaged 38 touches per game outside his six-yard area—numbers comparable with Ederson and Manuel Neuer at their peak.

Onana’s uncertain future opens the door

André Onana’s maiden season in Manchester has been turbulent. Spectacular reflex saves have been offset by high-profile errors versus Bayern, Galatasaray, and Brentford, while his mid-season trip to the Africa Cup of Nations exposed the squad’s lack of experienced cover. United insiders insist they are not actively pushing the Cameroonian out, but they accept offers could arrive from the Saudi Pro League or Serie A. If the right bid lands, signing the Botafogo goalkeeper at a fraction of Onana’s £47 million fee would be shrewd business.

Who is John Victor? Profile of the Botafogo goalkeeper

Born in Diadema, São Paulo, John graduated from Santos’ famed academy before moving north in search of first-team football. A loan spell at Internacional sharpened his distribution, and a permanent transfer to Botafogo last year transformed him into one of the Brasileirão’s standout performers. He conceded just 0.84 goals per 90 minutes in 2023—better than any other domestic goalkeeper with 20+ appearances—and kept 17 clean sheets in all competitions.

Transfer fee and contract situation

The Botafogo goalkeeper signed a four-year deal in January 2023, inserting a €15 million release clause for overseas clubs. United believe a package worth €12 million plus add-ons might tempt John Textor’s Eagle Football group, which owns stakes in Botafogo, Lyon, and Crystal Palace. Negotiations are complicated by multi-club ownership rules, yet United’s hierarchy remains confident because Crystal Palace recently strengthened their own goalkeeping ranks and do not require John this summer.

Competition from Europe

Ajax, Benfica, and Nottingham Forest have all inquired about the Botafogo goalkeeper, but none can match United’s global profile or Premier League wages. Sources close to the player say he grew up idolising Edwin van der Sar and views a move to Old Trafford as “a dream and a perfect stylistic fit.”

How John would fit Erik ten Hag’s system

Ten Hag’s positional play demands a high back-line and a goalkeeper comfortable as the eleventh outfielder. The Botafogo goalkeeper routinely steps into midfield zones, completing more line-breaking passes per 90 than any shot-stopper in South America. His shot-stopping metrics are equally strong: 76 percent save rate from inside the box and a penalty-save record of 3 from 9 in 2023. United analysts see parallels with David Raya’s impact at Arsenal—an organiser who initiates attacks and relieves pressure under an aggressive press.

Impact on United’s existing keepers

If the transfer materialises, Altay Bayındır is expected to seek a loan in Türkiye, while academy prospect Radek Vitek would remain third choice. Tom Heaton, 38, is out of contract but could be retained as a home-grown mentor if one of Onana or Bayındır departs.

Financial fair play and squad registration

United must navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations after posting a £42 million loss last year. However, the modest cost of the Botafogo goalkeeper, combined with potential sales of Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Mason Greenwood, leaves adequate headroom. Because John has never played in Europe, he would qualify for one of the club’s two “new entrant” slots on the UEFA A-List should United return to continental competition.

Reaction in Brazil

Botafogo supporters are braced for bids after losing Luis Henrique and Jeffinho in recent windows. Head coach Artur Jorge told local media: “We want to build around John, but our model is to buy low, develop, and sell smart. If an English giant pays the clause, we can’t stand in his way.” Meanwhile, Brazilian legend Rogério Ceni praised John’s leadership: “He organises the back four like a veteran and rarely makes the same mistake twice.”

United’s summer goalkeeper blueprint

1. Assess André Onana’s market value after Euro 2024 and AFCON fallout.
2. Finalise shortlist topped by the Botafogo goalkeeper, Diogo Costa (Porto), and Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia).
3. Secure a deal before the pre-season tour of the United States to provide Ten Hag with a full month of tactical integration.

Timeline and next steps

• May: In-depth analytics presentation to the football board.
• June: Formal contact with Botafogo and intermediary talks with the player’s representatives.
• July: Medical and visa process in time for friendlies against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.

What the move could mean for South American talent

A successful transfer would continue United’s recent pivot toward the continent, following the acquisitions of Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri. Club officials believe the Botafogo goalkeeper could become a trailblazer, encouraging other Brazilian clubs to view Old Trafford as a viable stepping-stone for elite homegrown prospects.

Short opinion

On paper, swapping a misfiring yet high-ceiling André Onana for the confident, progressive Botafogo goalkeeper looks like savvy squad building. Still, United’s real issue remains the porous defensive shield in front of any keeper. Unless Ten Hag shores up midfield resistance, even the most gifted shot-stopper may struggle to stem the tide.