Man Utd to Make Their Move: Red Devils Preparing Bid for Botafogo Goalkeeper John Amid Release Clause Confusion

Brazilian Stopper on Manchester United’s Radar After Club World Cup Heroics

Manchester United are no strangers to goalkeeping conundrums, and it appears another chapter is about to unfold in their long-running search for consistency between the sticks. According to reports out of Brazil and Europe, the Red Devils are now lining up a bid for Botafogo’s goalkeeper John, who impressed scouts during his stint at the Club World Cup.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a surprise but credible target for United, particularly after a string of strong performances in an otherwise underdog Botafogo campaign. While Palmeiras eventually knocked them out, John’s role in guiding his team into the knockout rounds hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Now, amid uncertainty over the true value of his release clause, all eyes are on Old Trafford to see if they’ll be the first European side to take the plunge.

From Brazil to the Premier League? Why John Has United’s Attention

At 29, John Victor Macedo da Silva, known simply as John, is hardly a household name in European football. But his recent exploits for Botafogo have turned heads, and Manchester United have taken notice.

After starting his career with Santos and bouncing around a few domestic loans, John’s form over the past 18 months has been nothing short of stellar. Calm under pressure, technically strong with his feet, and commanding in the air, he’s shown the kind of maturity and reliability that United manager Ruben Amorim is said to be craving.

Amorim, frustrated by André Onana’s error-prone first season, has reportedly asked the club’s recruitment team to explore realistic alternatives. And in John, there seems to be a blend of affordability, experience, and stability that fits the bill.

“United don’t just want star names anymore – they want solid professionals who can do the job,” said one club insider. “John has that aura about him. A late bloomer maybe, but someone who can bring calm to a hectic backline.”

The Release Clause Mystery: £5.8 Million or Much More?

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Botafogo FR: Group B – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

One of the biggest talking points in this unfolding saga is the confusion surrounding John’s release clause. Depending on who you ask – or which Brazilian outlet you read – the fee required to unlock the goalkeeper’s contract varies wildly.

Some reports suggest that just £5.8 million (€6.7m/$8m) would be enough to secure his services, while others claim Botafogo are holding out for a much higher sum, potentially closer to £10–12 million.

The discrepancy could be down to the structure of his contract. According to local sources, John signed an extension earlier this year, and it’s possible there are multiple clauses depending on the type of buyer (domestic vs international) or the phase of the season.

“There’s definitely interest,” confirmed a journalist close to Botafogo. “But United will want to be 100% sure they’re not getting drawn into a negotiation trap. Things in Brazil aren’t always as straightforward as they seem on paper.”

Why Onana Could Be on His Way Out

While John may be on his way in, Andre Onana’s future remains up in the air. The Cameroonian keeper endured a tough debut season at Old Trafford, with high-profile errors in both domestic and European competitions drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Though he hasn’t formally asked for a move, Onana has refused to rule out a summer departure, and United – still operating under financial constraints – may be open to selling if the right offer arrives. The sticking point, however, will be Onana’s wages and the club’s desire to recoup the £43 million they paid Inter Milan just a year ago.

So far, interest from Saudi clubs and a couple of Serie A sides has been noted, but no concrete offers have materialized.

John’s Late Rise and World Cup Impact

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Unlike many of his peers, John’s story isn’t one of early stardom. Until just a few seasons ago, he was largely under the radar, serving as a backup or being loaned out in Brazil’s top two divisions. But a move to Botafogo in 2023 changed everything.

Under manager Artur Jorge, he blossomed into the club’s first-choice keeper. His performances in the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A drew attention, but it was his calm and composed showing at the Club World Cup that really ignited European interest.

In matches against Al-Ahly and Ulsan Hyundai, John was a wall in goal, showcasing elite shot-stopping, penalty saves, and composure in pressure moments. While Palmeiras eventually knocked Botafogo out, it was clear John belonged on a bigger stage.

“He’s a leader back there,” said Botafogo captain Marçal. “No nonsense, but full of confidence. We know he has the quality to play anywhere.”

What’s Next for John and Botafogo?

As things stand, John remains focused on domestic duties, with Botafogo set to face Vasco da Gama in a heated Rio derby next weekend. The club currently sits mid-table but has ambitions to climb, particularly after stabilizing post-World Cup.

Still, the transfer speculation won’t go away—especially now that the European window is heating up and Manchester United are reportedly preparing an opening bid.

Botafogo are bracing themselves for movement. And while they’d ideally like to keep their star keeper for the rest of the season, the financial realities of Brazilian football mean that a decent offer from a club like United would be hard to resist.

United’s Goalkeeping Future: More Than Just John?

While the John pursuit is the one grabbing headlines, United’s scouting department isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. The club has also been linked to Dutch stopper Bart Verbruggen and Portuguese veteran Rui Patricio as backup or rotational options.

Still, John seems to fit the profile best – a low-cost, high-potential addition who won’t disrupt the wage structure but could provide vital stability.

Whether he arrives to compete with Onana, or to replace him entirely, remains to be seen.

Final Whistle: A Calculated Gamble for the Red Devils?

If United do decide to go all-in on John, it will be a measured risk. He doesn’t bring the glitz of a Neuer or the promise of a Donnarumma, but at a time when the Red Devils need sensible, reliable recruitment, he might be exactly what they need.

This is a club trying to correct past mistakes—trying to build a team around discipline and pragmatism, not hype. And in that sense, a goalkeeper like John—seasoned, grounded, and hungry—could be the quiet game-changer they’ve been searching for.

Keep your eyes on this one. It’s developing fast.