Manchester United are strongly considering John Victor as a potential option to improve their goalkeeping ranks after the Botafogo stopper’s modest release clause came to light.

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are strongly considering a move for Botafogo keeper John Victor. The Brazilian shot-stopper has been in impressive form for his club as observers are closely watching him in action at the Club World Cup, as the Red Devils are now in the mix after a modest release clause came to light.

John Victor, also known as John, has been an immense presence for Botafogo over the last 18 months or so. He has helped the Brazilian side win the Copa Libertadores in the most recent edition. The stopper, 29, still dreams of a big move to the Premier League, and he also has a modest level of experience in Europe following his sting with Spanish Segunda side Real Valladolid back in the 2023/24 season.

The report states that John has a meagre $8 million release clause in his Botafogo contract, which does make things easier for interested clubs to make a breakthrough. Manchester United are interested, and their admiration goes back in time, as they looked at the 29-year-old in January.

Manchester United are eager to replace Andre Onana and second-choice stopper Altay Bayindir ahead of the new season. They could theoretically trigger the clause in John Victor’s contract and get him on board, although there will be doubts about whether they can risk having him as their No.1 choice for the new campaign given his relative lack of experience at the top level in Europe.

Manchester United seemingly prefer Emiliano Martinez to take over the No.1 spot from Onana if they can manage to agree on a deal with Aston Villa. There is interest from Atletico Madrid that threatens to derail their pursuit of the Argentine stopper as well as the possible price tag on the World Cup winner, which may not prove financially sustainable for the Red Devils.

Manchester United keen to bring in new keepers

Lucas Chevalier is another name on their list for potential Onana replacements, with Aston Villa incidentally chasing the Frenchman as Martinez’s potential replacement. With those names very much on their list of choices for No.1, it might be a case of Manchester United looking at players like the 29-year-old star John Victor as a competitor rather than a clear first-choice option.

In any case, Manchester United are eager to revamp the goalkeeping options altogether if the conditions are right as Onana and Bayindir are possible exits. Whether they can financially manage the overhaul remains the question, although should they trigger the $8 million release clause in John’s Botafogo contract, he could be seen as a valuable and cost-effective addition to the setup.