Manchester United eyeing John Victor as an alternative to Andre Onana
Manchester United are undergoing a period of transition. With a new approach from the sporting management and inconsistent collective performance in recent seasons, the English club are seeking to correct structural imbalances in the squad.
The goalkeeping position has been one of the most persistent areas of analysis since the arrival of Andre Onana. Despite his skill with his feet, his mistakes under pressure and lack of consistency have raised doubts. The Red Devils are looking for his replacement in the transfer market. The need to strengthen that position, not only with names but with guarantees, is beginning to gain ground in the Old Trafford offices. In this situation, Brazil is once again capturing the attention of British scouts.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are now looking at John Victor, a 29-year-old goalkeeper who plays for Botafogo. During the Club World Cup, his performances left their mark. In particular, the match against PSG, in which he kept a clean sheet and was the star of the show, caught the attention of the international media.
Is the £5.8m release clause for John Victor a cost-effective opportunity for Manchester United to strengthen their goalkeeping depth?
The Brazilian goalkeeper was the first to stop the European champions since Alisson did so with Liverpool. Beyond this specific moment, reports about him have been accumulating for some time. It is known that there is a release clause of just £5.8 million. That figure represents an attractive value in an inflated market.
If evaluated, Victor represents a sensible bet for the Red Devils. His performance in the Club World Cup reinforces the perception that he can compete at a high level. Of course, a couple of performances do not guarantee success in the Premier League. But his maturity, his reading of the game and his ability to respond in demanding matches make him an interesting prospect.
Compared to Onana, who sometimes compromises with hasty decisions, John offers greater composure. His footwork is not at the same level, but he is more reliable between the posts. Unlike young goalkeepers who have yet to fulfil their potential, he has already shown character in difficult situations. For United, who cannot continue to make mistakes in sporting decisions, it is key to bet on certainties.
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The reduced cost is another favourable point. In an era where average goalkeepers cost twice as much, finding a proven one for less than £6 million represents a rare opportunity. Furthermore, his signing would send a clear message: the club prioritises performance over name.
While other teams are looking for promising prospects, United could bring in someone who has already proven himself against tough opponents. Compared to other possible targets, such as Odysseas Vlachodimos or Diogo Costa, John is not the most technical or the most spectacular, but he is the most accessible and has the immediate potential to make an impact. In short, if the club are committed to rebuilding on stable foundations, this could be one of the most coherent decisions of the summer.