Manchester United have reactivated their interest in Botafogo goalkeeper John after standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup shifted internal views at the club.
According to journalist André Hernan, a scout from the Premier League side was already present during Botafogo’s historic win over PSG, but it was John’s display in the following match, against Palmeiras, that truly caught attention.
Despite Botafogo’s elimination, the 29-year-old emerged as one of the highlights of the tournament, delivering a confident performance that reportedly reignited discussions within Old Trafford.
Reliable reports from Brazil now claim that United are preparing for the potential departure of André Onana during the summer window, with plans to bring in a new goalkeeper. John has returned to the list of candidates under consideration.
GOAL Brasil adds that the key element behind the renewed interest is a release clause in John’s contract, which allows him to leave for just $8m (around €7.4m).
That clause was inserted in January after the player turned down lucrative European offers to stay at Botafogo and play in the Club World Cup. The decision paid off — both for the club and the player — with John’s market value and international visibility significantly boosted in recent months.
Earlier this year, his agent Pedro Gutierrez confirmed that multiple European clubs, including Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur, had shown interest in the goalkeeper.
Backed by owner John Textor – who also holds shares in Crystal Palace – Botafogo made it clear that they were not interested in negotiating, unless presented with an extraordinary offer.
John is under contract until 2027 and has quickly risen to become a key figure in Botafogo’s squad. After arriving in January 2024 from Real Valladolid, where he had lost his starting place in Spain’s second tier, he took over the No.1 shirt in April and never looked back.
He went on to become one of the most consistent players in Brazil, claiming the Bola de Prata award for best goalkeeper in the league and earning a place in the Copa Libertadores Team of the Tournament — having won both competitions with Botafogo.
Beyond the accolades, his performances have stood out for leadership and reliability. During the Club World Cup, those traits became evident on a global stage — particularly in the clash with PSG, where he faced high-calibre opposition and held his ground. That game, more than any other, seems to have solidified his name on United’s radar.
Botafogo, for their part, are aware that interest is mounting. The club have no intention of letting him go easily. John is admired by both the coaching staff and the board, and his role in a team aiming to compete strongly on all fronts this season is seen as fundamental.
For Manchester United, much hinges on the resolution of Onana’s future. Should the Cameroonian be sold early in the window, space could open for further talks — and after the PSG game, John is apparently again a name under consideration in Manchester.
