Michael Carrick's side could be set for a steal as Paraguayan shot-stopper breaks his silence on his future following an historic World Cup campaign
Orlando Gill has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Orlando Gill has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Paraguay’s Orlando Gill emerged as one of the standout goalkeepers at the 2026 World Cup, with his dazzling displays for his nation placing him on the radar of multiple European clubs.
The 26-year-old was named as the Player of the Match against both Germany and France in his nation’s two respective knockout games.
His penalty shootout heroics in the former, in which he denied Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade from the spot, etched his name in Paraguayan history as the nation advanced to the Round of 16 by toppling Die Mannschaft in a true David versus Goliath upset.
It seems as though Paraguayan supporters are not the only group to have developed a vested interest in the 26-year-old’s displays, as Manchester United, Aston Villa and Ipswich Town are all said to be monitoring Gill’s situation.
The Paraguayan currently plays for San Lorenzo, an Argentine club battling serious financial problems. The Argentine newspaper Clarin has claimed the club’s debt is approaching 100 billion Argentine pesos, about £50m.
Gill’s displays on the world stage thus could have hardly come at a better time for the club, who believe the goalkeeper’s potential sale could go a long way in easing the financial crisis.
With three goalkeepers set to leave Manchester United this summer, the Manchester Evening News understands that Michael Carrick’s side are in the market for a goalkeeper who can provide competition for Senne Lammens. As such, Gill could be an interesting prospect.
Orlando Gill of Paraguay saves the Germany's fourth penalty taken by Nick Woltemade
Orlando Gill saved two penalties in Paraguay's shootout win over Germany, an historic result for the South Americans
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The Paraguayan boasts an impressive record for San Lorenzo, keeping 29 clean sheets in 59 appearances for the club, with manager Nestor Gorosito reportedly already considering potential replacements between the sticks.
Reports suggest that there is an acceptance inside San Lorenzo that Gill’s departure could be difficult to prevent, and the 26-year-old himself addressed the situation upon his return to Paraguay following La Albirroja’s World Cup exit.
“I can’t say yes or no. They told me there is interest, but not a formal offer,” Gill explained, “I don’t want to get carried away. We’ll sit down and speak with the club to see what is best.”
Clarin states that the 26-year-old’s contract contains a release clause which stands at approximately £5.2m.
Should Gill’s dominant displays from the World Cup translate to the Premier League, a potential deal for this price could be deemed a steal later down the line.
“I have a clause in my contract and I think it has to be respected,” Gill said, “then it depends on the club.”
“If it’s good for both parties, we’ll have to reach an agreement.”