🚨✅ BREAKING: Manchester United Set to Sign Club World Cup Star as Injury Cover for Andre Onana

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up efforts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with Brazilian keeper John Victor now emerging as their top target. The club’s urgency has intensified following an injury to Andre Onana, the current first-choice goalie. With the season looming, Old Trafford’s decision-makers are quickly exploring reliable alternatives to safeguard their back line.

 

Andre Onana, who’s been preparing for the new season, suffered a hamstring injury during training. Medical assessments suggest he’ll be sidelined for up to six weeks. This casts serious doubt on his availability for the Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17 and rules him out for the rest of the pre-season.

 

While Onana’s form over the last couple of seasons has wavered, Ruben Amorim and his coaching crew had still intended to keep faith in him as the starting goalkeeper for the upcoming 2025–26 campaign. But now, with INEOS having a stronger grip on football affairs at United, the injury has forced a rethink. The club doesn’t want to gamble with their season’s opening fixtures.

 

As a result, United have ramped up their interest in Botafogo’s John Victor. A report from Goal Brazil, shared by Centre Devils, claims that the 29-year-old has become one of the club’s main targets. United’s scouts and transfer team are reportedly eager to push the move forward as soon as possible.

 

Meanwhile, Botafogo seem to be bracing themselves for John Victor’s departure. They’re actively scanning the market for replacements. Among their top options is Matheus Mendes, who’s currently playing for América-MG on loan from Atlético Mineiro. The Brazilian side appears ready to move fast to fill any potential void.

 

John Victor’s journey to recognition has been anything but smooth. He started out at Santos, where he struggled to break into the first team. A couple of loan stints at Internacional and Spain’s Real Valladolid gave him some much-needed exposure. But it was his transfer to Botafogo in 2023—allegedly for just £1 million—that truly turned the tide of his career.

 

Since his arrival at Botafogo, he’s transformed into one of Brazil’s standout goalkeepers. His performances have been stellar, helping him register 10 clean sheets in 28 games while conceding just 25 goals. According to Transfermarkt, his market value has skyrocketed to over €8 million, a clear reflection of his growth and reliability between the sticks.

 

Despite interest from other European clubs, Manchester United have reportedly been monitoring John Victor since the January window. With Onana’s availability now in jeopardy, the Red Devils may look to fast-track negotiations. The next few days will be crucial as the club decides whether to secure the Brazilian shot-stopper before the new season kicks off.