Manchester United were always expected to become more active in the transfer market in July, and that is coming to fruition.
June started off quickly for Ineos, with Matheus Cunha the earliest signing in years, which gave a lot of fake hope to Manchester United supporters that this trend would be followed throughout the summer.
Since this transfer was completed, there have been weeks and weeks of negotiations over signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The deal looks likely to get done this summer, but United needs more.
Once Mbeumo is completed, United still want to make four signings in addition to the two already through the door, among these planned signings is a new goalkeeper.
Many fans wish to see Andre Onana replaced, however Ben Jacobs has suggested that the Cameroonian returning to preseason is a sign he will remain at the club with United instead looking for a new number two.
Now, there has been movement on this front.
Manchester United advancing in move to sign John Victor this summer
Despite several high-profile errors last season, Edwin van der Sar expects Onana to improve for United, and at the moment it appears that the club are going to stick with the £44m goalkeeper.
However, one certainty is that United cannot go into next season with Altay Bayindir as the back-up, with a proper option to challenge Onana needed instead. This is where United’s interest in John Victor is becoming interesting.
Now, United are taking steps toward signing the Brazilian, according to UOL, who report that Ineos are in contact over signing Victor, having been impressed with his performances during the Club World Cup for Botafogo.
In addition, Goal Brazil have also reported developments in the potential transfer, claiming that United have enquired with Victor’s team and they fully expect a formal offer to arrive for the 29-year-old goalkeeper.
Where Victor becomes a very attractive signing is that he is available for just £5.8m due to a release clause that Botafogo handed the player to convince him to remain in January.
Signing John Victor for £5.8m is a steal
To sign a player of such high quality for £5.8m would be an incredible deal for Ineos. Victor is one of Brazil’s best, and he would be capable of providing serious competition to Onana.
Clearly a favourite in Brazil, Victor was labelled a “giant” by Botafogo legend Jefferson Goleiro for his role in the silverware brought to the club last year.
Victor had an incredible 2024 in which he played a key role in Botafogo’s Brazilian Serie A title and Copa Libertadores triumph, alongside former United defender Alex Telles, who left the club in 2023.
Over the past 12 months, Victor boasts an insane 49 per cent clean sheet percentage, which is in the 94th percentile among the leagues ranked 6th to 20th in the world. He also has a save percentage of 80 per cent, which again is in the 94th percentile.
Big upgrade on Bayindir and likely for the fee, United could sell the Turkish international for.
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