A few days ago, we covered claims form Brazil which explained Manchester United have been keeping a close eye on Botafogo goalkeeper John, and their scouts have been impressed by his performances.
The Premier League club endured a difficult season with André Onana, and at the close of the campaign it looked near certain that they’d be looking for a new goalkeeper in the market. At the time it also looked near certain they’d be moving for a striker, but way over a month later there’s no concrete paths leading a player of either position to Old Trafford.
John has been the latest name to be linked, and those Manchester United scouts sent to watch him are said to have been impressed by his performances for Botafogo. At 29-years-of-age, the goalkeeper is perhaps not the obvious target for the Red Devils, but a low release clause was thought to be part of the attraction.
Sunday’s edition of Brazilian newspaper Meia Hora reports Manchester United are expected to soon make an offer for John, and they mention the clause again: ‘John has a release clause of $8m (R$43m), a figure that was agreed between Botafogo and the goalkeeper when, at the beginning of 2025, he decided to stay with the Mais Tradicional and reject offers from Europe.’
However, FogaoNet question this via claims from journalist Thiago Franklin. He insists the clause is ‘much higher’ than the reported amount.
There’s obviously the prospect of drama developing around that figure, and it may have been better to start the process earlier if Manchester United are genuinely keen.
Everton have also been linked with the player this weekend.
