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Manchester United show interest in Alex Telles’ Botafogo teammate available for just £5.8m

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Despite the slow start to the summer, Manchester United are expected to be far more active in the transfer market this July.

The window got off to a quick start for Ineos, with Matheus Cunha arriving in June in what was the club’s earliest signing in years. That quick move created hope among supporters that new arrivals could become a theme of the summer, but that never materialised.

Since then, United’s main focus has been on negotiations with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo. Although a deal looks likely to happen, Ruben Amorim will want more depth added to the squad.

Even after Mbeumo signs, United will still be targeting four more players. One of those positions is goalkeeper – although not as a replacement for Andre Onana.

Despite calls from some fans to replace the Cameroon international, reports suggest the club intend to keep faith in him, bringing in a new No 2 as competition for the starting role.

The club’s search for added competition appears to have moved forward this week.

Man United eye move for Botafogo’s John Victor

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Although Onana remains a divisive figure, United look set to back him as their No. 1, but a stronger back-up is clearly needed. Altay Bayindir is not considered up to the task of pushing Onana, which explains why the club has now turned attention to John Victor.

According to UOL, Ineos are in contact with John Victor, having been impressed with his performances during the Club World Cup for Botafogo.

Goal Brazil further reports that United have already made an enquiry to Victor’s camp and a formal bid is expected soon. Botafogo signed Victor to a new contract in January, but to convince him to stay, the club inserted a release clause of £5.8m – a bargain compared to what other goalkeepers might cost.

United could land a bargain with £5.8m offer for John Victor

Snapping up a player of Victor’s quality for just £5.8m would be a fantastic bit of business. He’s regarded as one of the top keepers in Brazil and would bring serious competition to Onana, something United currently lack.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper played a central role in Botafogo’s title-winning season in 2024. He helped the club to both the Brazilian Serie A crown and the Copa Libertadores, playing alongside former United left-back Alex Telles, who remains in the squad.

Victor’s clean sheet record over the last year is remarkable, posting a 49 per cent rate, which ranks in the 94th percentile among keepers in leagues ranked 6th to 20th worldwide. His save percentage is also impressive, at 80 per cent – good for the same percentile.

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

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