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Man United face Premier League competition to sign Club World Cup ace John Victor

Originally posted on HITC | By Olly Dawes | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 5:07 PM ET

Manchester United’s search for a new goalkeeper continues, with Altay Bayindir expected to leave the club this summer.

New signing Matheus Cunha has already joined up with the squad, but manager Rúben Amorim remains keen to add more attacking options before the window closes, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo being one of the favourites to arrive at Old Trafford.

The club have also been dealing with departures. Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United is now in doubt after a fiery outburst brought him into conflict with head coach Rúben Amorim.

Bayindir – who has struggled for game time since his arrival from Fenerbahçe in 2023 – looks set to move on this summer in pursuit of regular football, prompting the Red Devils to explore alternatives to the backup goalkeeper role.

Man United’s Jorge Vital makes contacts with Botafogo about John Victor

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Manchester United will be looking at some goalkeeping options this summer, but Botafogo’s John Victor seems to be a strong candidate.

The Brazilian shot-stopper has been on United’s radar since late 2024, following his Copa Libertadores triumph with Botafogo.

Although there was speculation earlier this year that Bayindir might depart in January, no transfer occurred at the time, and interest in John cooled temporarily.

However, recent reports indicate that United are once again tracking the 28-year-old, especially after his impressive displays at the Club World Cup, where he helped Botafogo pull off a shock win over PSG.

According to Brazilian outlet Terra, United have a scout who attended a Botafogo match against Palmeiras in Philadelphia to watch John in action.

The report adds that United goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital has been in touch with staff at Botafogo to gather more information about the player, indicating a serious level of interest.

Everton are also keeping an eye on John Victor

Everton are also believed to be monitoring John as they look for a backup to Jordan Pickford, according to Terra. This could concern United fans, as the club have recently struggled to compete in the transfer window.

John has played for Brazilian giants such as Santos and Internacional. At European level, his only experience came at Real Valladolid.

While he hasn’t featured for the Brazil senior team, John has represented his country at youth levels.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper would arrive at Old Trafford in a backup role, but he could threaten Andre Onana’s place in the starting XI.

He’s valued at around £5.8 million, but United may wait until Bayindir’s departure is confirmed before advancing with a formal offer.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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