Manchester United has entered the race for Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, whose World Cup performances in North America turned him into one of the tournament’s most talked-about players. The 26-year-old stands 6-foot-6 and plays for Argentine club San Lorenzo, but his stock rose fast after he anchored Paraguay’s run to the round of 16.
Gill was named FIFA’s Player of the Match in games against both Germany and France. His penalty shootout saves against Germany were the difference in getting Paraguay out of the group stage. Those kinds of moments tend to get a goalkeeper noticed, and United’s scouting department has been paying attention.
According to Argentine newspaper Clarín, via Sport Witness, United is now tracking Gill’s situation. Aston Villa and Ipswich Town had already shown interest, and Serie A sides Lazio and Torino are also in the mix. But the draw of Old Trafford changes the calculus for most players, even if the role would be a backup one.
United’s goalkeeper shuffle
United is in the market for a second-choice goalkeeper behind Senne Lammens. Altay Bayındır is expected to follow Andre Onana out the door this summer, which leaves a clear opening for someone to compete for minutes without being the guaranteed starter. Sam Johnstone of Wolves has also been linked, and he’s reportedly eager for a move.
The question with Gill is whether he’d accept a bench role when other clubs in Europe could offer him the No. 1 spot. That’s a legitimate concern. A goalkeeper who just dominated on the world stage might not love sitting behind someone else, even if that someone plays for Manchester United.
But from United’s perspective, the math is simple. Lammens is young but unproven over a full Premier League season, and having a high-level backup who can step in during injury spells or fixture congestion is how smart clubs build depth. Gill fits that profile—athletic, experienced in high-pressure games, and already used to the physical demands of South American and Argentine football.
Paraguay’s run at the World Cup turned Gill into a known name across Europe. Now the question is whether United moves fast enough to bring him in before Lazio or Torino make their own push.
Leave a Comment