United ramp up chase for athletic goalkeeper, but league rival keen to hijack bargain move – report

With Andre Onana out for the next six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury, Manchester United should be considering signing a goalkeeper.

Before the setback, there were suggestions that Onana would continue as United’s first-choice custodian.

With pre-season the ideal time to instil his tactics, it is a blow for head coach Ruben Amorim not to be working with his number one.

Either way, with the injury coming just weeks before the new campaign, United have a chance to address their goalkeeping situation.

Signing a capable shot-stopper is the best route forward.

Some top goalkeepers have been linked, including Botafogo’s John Victor.

Victor is a goalkeeper on the rise

Last year, he helped Botafogo win a domestic title and the Copa Libertadores.

In the winter, he was expected to leave for big European clubs who were circling, but he opted to stay with the Brazilian heavyweights to feature at the FIFA Club World Cup.

His decision saw him agree with the Rio de Janeiro-based club to insert a modest £5.9 million release clause into his contract.

Club World Cup exploits did not go unnoticed

While his exploits last year had already drawn suitors, his brilliance at the Club World Cup only emphasised how ripe he was for a big move.

United, on the lookout for top goalkeepers as they weighed up whether to replace Onana, were reportedly following Victor keenly throughout the tournament.

Impressed by what they saw (especially his complete performance against PSG), they were said to be keen on bringing him on board.

Over the weekend, reports claimed United had made a bid for the 29-year-old, with suggestions the move was a reaction to Onana’s injury.

However, nothing concrete has emerged from those reports.

Even so, Football Insider has dropped an interesting update on the chase for the Brazilian shot-stopper.

While they claim United have stepped up their interest, they suggest the Red Devils are not alone.

League rival muscles in on United’s bargain swoop

Aston Villa, keen to move on from United target Emiliano Martinez, are also pushing hard to bring the goalkeeper back to Europe.

“Manchester United and Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor,”the outlet states.

Victor is Premier League-ready

While the report does not specify which Premier League club is leading the chase, it emphasises the former Santos star is as Premier League-ready as they come.

“Whether the Brazilian ends up at Old Trafford or Villa Park, his performances in this summer’s Club World Cup and domestically in Brazil show that he is ready to make the switch to the Premier League,” added Football Insider.

United fans concerned about their goalkeeping situation will be hoping it is they who end up signing Victor.

The athletic shot-stopper could be the breath of fresh air they need after a 2024–25 season marred by goalkeeping errors.

Featured image Buda Mendes via Getty Images

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