Manchester United are weighing up the possibility of replacing goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, with Botafogo’s John Victor emerging as a cut-price alternative.
Onana joined United in the summer of 2023 from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8 million but has failed to meet expectations at Old Trafford. Despite making 101 appearances, the 29-year-old has been criticized for high-profile errors and has not convinced the club’s hierarchy that he is the long-term solution between the sticks.
United are now open to letting him leave — ideally through a permanent sale, though a loan deal is not off the table. However, moving Onana on won’t be straightforward. According to The Athletic, United need at least £26.3 million to avoid a financial loss under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Reaching that figure could prove difficult given Onana’s recent form and high wages, which have already been reduced due to the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Monaco are among the interested clubs but are reportedly unable to cover the goalkeeper’s salary demands, even for a loan. Speaking at a charity event in Burkina Faso, Onana offered little clarity, simply saying: “Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see.”
Should United find a way to move him on, they’re looking at 29-year-old Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor as a potential replacement. The Brazilian stopper, who cost just £6 million and reportedly won’t demand Onana-level wages, has impressed since joining from Santos last year.
His standout performances at the Club World Cup, including a notable display in a win over PSG, have increased European interest.
Though he’s never been capped by Brazil and has limited European experience (a short loan at Valladolid in Spain’s Segunda Division), Victor has won domestic and continental honors with Botafogo. His current release clause was set low to keep him until after the Club World Cup, but that clause now makes him an attractive target.
Despite the growing interest, Goal Brasil claims that United have yet to formally approach Botafogo about a move.
Alongside Victor, United are also monitoring other goalkeeping options. Porto’s Diogo Costa remains a more expensive alternative, with a release clause of £64 million, although the Portuguese club could accept a lower offer around £51 million. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.
With the future of Andre Onana still unresolved and PSR pressures looming, Manchester United appear set for a crucial decision in their goalkeeping department this summer.